Mets' Alonso on Lindor: 'I hope they pay him $400 million'

Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Mets' Pete Alonso on Francisco Lindor: 'I hope they pay him $400 million'

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/30/21

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and shortstop Francisco Lindor have only been teammates for about two-and-a-half months since Lindor joined the Mets from the Cleveland Indians via a blockbuster January trade. With Lindor set to hit free agency after the upcoming season and maintaining that he won't negotiate past Thursday's Opening Day deadline, Alonso made it clear when speaking with reporters on Tuesday that he thinks the Mets should pay the four-time All-Star the big bucks.

"I hope they pay him $400 million. He's worth every penny," Alonso said while offering high praise for Lindor:

Pete Alonso on Francisco Lindor:

"I hope they pay him $400 million, he's worth every penny" pic.twitter.com/scrtOySs4S
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 30, 2021

Per updates offered earlier on Tuesday, $400 million is not on the table. Lindor's camp reportedly declined an offer of $325 million over 10 years and countered with 12 years and $385 million. Amid stories that the sides were still negotiating, Mets owner Steve Cohen took to Twitter to say that "it does take two to tango" and that he "hopes" Lindor puts pen to paper on a contract extension.

Manager Luis Rojas also touched upon Lindor's reputation among fans and those inside the clubhouse:

"I don't know," Mets manager Luis Rojas says when asked if fans will react negatively to Francisco Lindor if he does not sign.

Rojas added: "The only thing that I can say is coming from his personality, he's been solid." pic.twitter.com/pAuYo6ECOd
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 30, 2021

The Mets begin the regular season Thursday evening at the Washington Nationals but are then off Friday, so there's speculation the club could continue working on the Lindor extension through at least the start of the weekend before talks are halted until next fall. One thing that's clear as spring training closes is that the 27-year-old has plenty of fans among his peers and coaches.

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