Suitors lining up to pry Francisco Lindor from Mets

Several MLB teams are reportedly planning to pursue Francisco Lindor if the Mets allow him to hit free agency next offseason.

The New York Mets made a blockbuster trade for superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor this offseason. Now comes the task of convincing him to stay beyond 2021.

Lindor is in his final year of team control and is set to hit the open market next offseason. Reports have indicated Lindor and the Mets are having extension talks this week. Having Steve Cohen as the new owner should mean the team can pay whatever it takes.

But let’s say the two sides can’t come to an agreement before or during the season. MLB insider Jon Heyman is already reporting that several teams have their eyes on Lindor and the other top shortstops set to hit the market.

Several teams ready to convince Lindor to leave New York

Lindor hitting the open market would create a free-for-all. Heyman is now saying the Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants stand out as his top suitors.

The Phillies are interesting because Didi Gregorius is back and under contract in 2022 as well. But landing Lindor would be a huge win and would mean trades would come as a result to free up a spot and some money.

The Rangers seem to always be in on top free agents. The problem is convincing players to join a team that has not been to the playoffs since 2016. Isiah Kiner-Falefa is the starting shortstop in 2021 after winning a Gold Glove at third base in 2020. Signing Lindor could form a nice duo on the left side of the infield.

The Giants, meanwhile, have Brandon Crawford coming off the books after this season. Adding Lindor would be a no-brainer. He would just once again have to go to a team where the pitch is that a plan is in place and he is the missing piece.

The Mets not signing Lindor would be a shocker, and if they do retain him, the three teams above still have some elite options to choose from in an absolutely loaded shortstop class.