Mets owner weighs in on Francisco Lindor contract talks

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) gestures after hitting a home run in the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins during a spring training game at Clover Park. Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Mets owner on Francisco Lindor contract talks: 'It does take two to tango'

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/30/21

The latest update on contract discussions between four-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and the New York Mets heading into Thursday's Lindor-announced deadline for such negotiations is that there doesn't appear to be much of an update.

As SNY has noted, Lindor's camp rejected an offer of 10 years and $325 million and countered with a 12-year deal worth $385 million. The Mets reportedly balked at that proposal, but SNY's Andy Martino tweeted the two sides were "brainstorming" on ways to come together before Thursday's Opening Day festivities.

While chances of a Lindor extension with Mets were considered by those involved to be iffy last night, “last and best” offers can be relative terms in a situation like this. While there is pessimism in talks there is also brainstorming going on for solutions.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) March 30, 2021

However, Mets owner Steve Cohen has since taken to Twitter to seemingly refute that story and also suggest the 27-year-old who joined the Amazins via a January trade with the Cleveland Indians needs to do his part to ensure a deal gets done as soon as possible.

I don’t see a lot of brainstorming going on over here
— Steven Cohen (@StevenACohen2) March 30, 2021

There no teasing going on. I have made a great offer . It does take two to tango
— Steven Cohen (@StevenACohen2) March 30, 2021

Lindor is a heckuva player and a great guy . I hope he decides to sign
— Steven Cohen (@StevenACohen2) March 30, 2021

Cohen had dinner with Lindor on Saturday night, and many assumed the two were close on announcing a long-term contract before Thursday's deadline for talks repeatedly set by Lindor in previous interviews. Right-hander Taijuan Walker told reporters on Monday that he believed everyone "knows it’s going to work out," but Martino then added that "the sides are simply not on the verge of a deal at this time."

Lindor has made it clear he doesn't want to negotiate past Opening Day to avoid any in-season distractions. However, the Mets face the Washington Nationals on Thursday evening and are then off until Saturday. One assumes talks could extend to Friday if the sides are relatively close by the time the Mets complete their first meaningful game of the campaign.

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