Francisco Lindor makes feelings on future with Mets clear amid trade rumors

Star shortstop Francisco Lindor remained with the New York Mets through the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline, but whispers about his future will likely hover over the franchise through the expected work stoppage.

During a recent conversation with Mike Puma of the New York Post, Lindor made it clear that he doesn't want to go anywhere. 

Francisco Lindor has Mets "plan" amid trade rumors

"The plan is to be here for my contract," Lindor said, as shared by Danny Abriano of SNY. "When I signed up here, it was to be in the good times and bad times and to win."

Lindor and the Mets agreed to a 10-year contract extension worth up to $341M ahead of the 2021 campaign, and he finished second in National League MVP voting for the 2024 regular season.

That said, it's now safe to say that Lindor and outfielder Juan Soto weren't on the best of terms last season after Soto signed his 15-year, $765M contract to join the Mets in December 2024. Lindor seemed to confirm that he and Soto had a "conversation" during the ongoing season regarding their relationship. According to ESPN's Jorge Castillo, "Lindor and Soto's relationship has been noticeably warmer, with the players interacting more often" since that chat. 

Francisco Lindor offers support for the man who is public enemy No. 1 in the eyes of some Mets fans

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has become an unpopular figure among the fan base, as the many controversial decisions he made this past offseason blew up in his face en route to New York falling to the basement of the division standings. The Mets began Wednesday with a record of 53-68, but Lindor seems to believe that Stearns is the right man to help lead a franchise turnaround. 

"We have the right guys," Lindor said. "Stearns is the right guy. That is No. 1. We have one of the best owners in sports history, because [Steve Cohen] is going to go always with the energy that needs to be put into the team. When you are in a big market, there is not such a thing as rebuilding. There is a little bit of transition. That is it. You can’t afford to rebuild in big markets, so I think we are working toward the right place. We have not taken a step backwards." 

The Mets reportedly "aim to compete" next season. It remains to be seen if that process will involve Lindor staying put through at least the start of the next MLB campaign.