\New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) swings a bat during spring training workouts at Clover Park. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Francisco Lindor, Mets extension talks expected to begin this week

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/8/21

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is playing the 2021 campaign on a one-year, $22.3 million deal and will need a new contract for 2022 and beyond.

Extension talks between the Mets and Lindor have not begun yet. However, MLB Network's Jon Heyman reports discussions are expected to begin this week, with Opening Day being a "soft deadline."

Francisco Lindor, Mets extension talks are expected to begin in earnest this week. Opening Day is at least a soft deadline, so figure about 24 days to get it done.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 8, 2021

Last month, Lindor said there is a "mutual interest" to work out an extension with the Mets. He was traded to New York by the Cleveland Indians in January.

Lindor was a star in Cleveland, slashing .285/.346/.488 with 138 home runs and 411 RBI in six seasons with the franchise. He was a four-time All-Star with the Indians and won two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers.

He'll now enter his first season with the Mets looking to help the club get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. If he lands an extension before Opening Day, he'll be that much more motivated.

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