New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) before hitting during a spring training game between the Miami Marlins and the New York Mets. Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports

Francisco Lindor, Mets still not close on long-term contract?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/26/21

With less than a week to go before four-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor will stop discussing a long-term contract with the New York Mets, per his own words, it appears the two parties are no closer to putting pen to paper on an agreement than they were a week ago.

On Friday, Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News tweeted that there is "still no movement" on contract extension talks between Lindor and the Mets:

Source: Still no movement on Francisco Lindor contract extension talks with Mets. Negotiations started a couple of weeks ago, but the two sides are not yet close to a deal.

As a reminder, Lindor has said he won’t negotiate in the season. Extension deadline is down to five days.
— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) March 26, 2021

This follows an SNY report from March 19 that said the "Mets are almost certainly willing to get to $300 million to lock up Lindor" but added the two were "not currently close on what constitutes a fair price."

As much as Mets fans may want to panic, Thosar did well to remind all to relax heading into the final weekend of March.

For those freaking out about this update, keep in mind Jacob deGrom signed his extension two days before 2019 Opening Day.

Also, feel free to take some deep breaths. I’ve heard they help.
— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) March 26, 2021

Since joining the Mets via a January trade with the Cleveland Indians that resulted in right-hander Carlos Carrasco also making the move to the Big Apple, Lindor has repeated that he won't negotiate past Opening Day, set for next Thursday.

"I have never negotiated a contract during a season," Lindor said in January. "Never. I've always said before spring training, but once it gets to a point in spring training, it's time to enjoy the ride and focus on winning and that's the only thing I should be focusing on, not how much money I'm going to get."

The countdown is on.

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