Francisco Lindor avoids arbitration with huge $22.3 million deal

The New York Mets and recently acquired shortstop Francisco Lindor have avoided arbitration.

The New York Mets orchestrated a blockbuster trade for former Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor in early January. Now, he will avoid arbitration, as he agrees to a one-year deal worth a whopping $22.3 million.

Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports mentions that, “Francisco Lindor’s $22.3 million deal is the fourth largest in a salary arbitration settlement, trailing only Mookie Betts ($27M), Nolan Arenado ($26M); Josh Donaldson ($23M).” While that large number of Lindor’s deal is fascinating, the only thing that matters is for him to agree to a multi-year extension beyond the 2021 MLB season.

Can the New York Mets challenge the Atlanta Braves in the NL East right away?

New York may have missed out on the expanded postseason last year, but the Amazins are arguably the Atlanta Braves’ biggest challenger in the NL East for 2021. The pitching staff will once again anchor the team, but with a more robust lineup featuring the likes of Lindor, New York will surely be an NL Wild Card team, and possibly even more. Will the Mets surpass the Braves?

If the Mets played in say, the NL Central, oh, they would definitely have the roster to win a division crown. However, they play in the same division as Atlanta and the same National League with two other serious World Series contenders in the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. While New York should be a playoff team, getting to an NLCS this year is a huge accomplishment.

Lindor makes the Mets better in 2021, but he will make them even better when he is extended.