New York Mets, Francisco Lindor exchange final offers

The New York Mets are doing everything in their power to keep Francisco Lindor in town. Owner Steve Cohen took Lindor to dinner over the weekend, and the franchise has made his extension their top priority. However, with Opening Day around the corner, time is of the essence if such a deal is to be made.

With that being the case, the Mets have reportedly made their final offer – a ten year deal worth $325 million.

New York Mets, Francisco Lindor exchange figures

It turns out that Lindor and his representatives have a larger number in mind. They have reportedly countered with a ten year deal worth $385 million. With such a large gap and a short amount of time before Opening Day, one has to wonder if the two sides can agree.

As it is, the Mets offer would tie Giancarlo Stanton‘s deal, giving Lindor the fifth largest contract in MLB history. Lindor’s counter, however, would place him behind only Mike Trout in terms of overall dollars, and would be the richest extension in the history of the game.

In theory, there is a middle ground. If the two sides meet in the middle on a ten year, $355 million deal, that extension would trail only Trout and Mookie Betts, the two best players in the game. The Mets may even be willing to match Betts’ deal at $365 million, tying Lindor for that coveted top mark.

Both sides have a lot at stake. Lindor would be walking away from a lot of money, gambling on himself while playing in a new league, on a new team in a different town. The Mets, meanwhile, would have mortgaged part of their future to bring Lindor aboard, hoping for that elusive postseason berth to make it all worthwhile.

The New York Mets and Francisco Lindor have exchanged figures. With a few days left before Opening Day, time is running out to make a deal.