Mets willing to show Francisco Lindor the money on long-term deal

The New York Mets know they will have to cough up some cash to keep shortstop Francisco Lindor around. 

The New York Mets traded for All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor this winter. Now, they have to figure out how to pay their soon-to-be free agent before it is too late.

By trading for Lindor in a blockbuster deal with the Cleveland Indians, the Mets can contend for a postseason berth in 2021. However, one of the best players in baseball will be hitting free agency next winter. The Mets did not trade for him to only have him play for them for one year. This is why they are willing to go to, and possibly exceed, a $300 million contract extension for his services.

New Mets owner Steve Cohen is about to make Francisco Lindor very wealthy

With Lindor about to enter his age-27 season, he is in the heart of his prime as a professional athlete. While a decade-plus extension will keep Lindor in Mets uniform into his late 30s or early 40s, New York plans to do a ton of winning with him as the star of their organization. If the Mets want to win their first World Series since 1986, Lindor will have to play a big part in that.

Even though Lindor has never played in a game that counts for the Mets, it is next to impossible to think he will not be in New York uniform by this time next year. Otherwise, why did a big media market franchise trade for him? The Mets are prioritizing keeping him in the organization. Though new Mets owner Steve Cohen is dripping with cash, he will have to fork plenty of it up to Lindor.

As long as the Mets do not cut corners in contract negotiations, Lindor will remain in New York.