Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor to make $22.3 million in 2021

The New York Mets avoided salary arbitration with seven players on Friday by signing them to one-year deals. 

As noted by The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), the biggest name of all among the seven is four-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who was acquired along with starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland on Jan. 7. 

Lindor will earn $22.3 million during his first season with the Mets. Owner Steve Cohen must now work to ensure the relationship continues beyond 2021. 

Mets president Sandy Alderson said on Monday that the team will approach Lindor about putting pen to paper on a long-term deal before spring training. During Lindor's introductory media obligation, the 27-year-old known for flashing his wide smile in the infield and at the plate explained that he's keen on signing an extension to stay in New York but added that he wouldn't want to negotiate after the start of spring training. 

It's possible Cohen, Alderson, and others believe adding more of Lindor's former Cleveland teammates could convince him to become a Mets cornerstone for the bulk of the decade. This week, alone, the Mets were linked with 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer and free-agent All-Star closer Brad Hand, both of whom played alongside Lindor with the Indians.