Francisco Lindor, Mets approaching deadline without deal

Francisco Lindor set Opening Day as the deadline for the Mets to give him a new deal. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Francisco Lindor, Mets approaching deadline without long-term contract

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/31/21

Fans of the New York Mets have one last hope as it pertains to four-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor agreeing to a long-term contract ahead of the Thursday deadline he set shortly after the Mets acquired the 27-year-old via a January trade with the Cleveland Indians: No news could be good news.

Newsday's Tim Healey reported earlier on Wednesday that there were "no talks" between the two sides occurring as of his tweet and that none were expected. It appears that's accurate as afternoon gives way to evening, because there's no indication the situation has changed from the previous day.

Lindor has repeatedly said he won't negotiate past Opening Day.

Look, things can change with one phone call.

...that just doesn't appear to be happening. Full update on where the Mets and Francisco Lindor stand on extension talks:https://t.co/z96IEP9sOi
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 31, 2021

Lindor's camp reportedly declined an offer of a 10-year contract worth $325 million and countered with 12 years and $385 million. Either the Mets have a pleasant surprise planned for fans and are waiting until the 11th hour to announce they've accepted those terms, or the talks went from stalled to nonexistent less than 24 hours before New York is set to open the regular season at the Washington Nationals on Thursday evening.

The status of that game remains up in the air. At least one Washington player recently tested positive for COVID-19, and five players and a staff member will be out Thursday following contact tracing, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. MLB gave the teams Friday off in the event of a weather-related cancellation and could postpone Thursday's matchup to Friday to ensure the Nationals aren't dealing with a coronavirus outbreak.

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