Meet the Mets
Mike Puma of the Post spoke with various baseball executives and insiders about what a Francisco Lindor extension might look like. The vast majority agreed that it would take a ten-year deal to keep Lindor in Queens long-term; estimates varied between $290 million (just short of Manny Machado’s contract with the Padres) and $360 million (similar to Mookie Betts’ contract with the Dodgers). Regardless, it would far exceed the largest contact the Mets have ever given a player (David Wright’s $138 million extension), but Lindor is one of the special few players in baseball worth that sort of money and Steve Cohen is one of the few owners in baseball in a position to spend it.
In an Instagram post, Lindor posted a hype video, as well as a photo rendering of himself in a Mets uniform surrounded by Mets greats of the past 30 years—indicating that he understands the impact he can have on the franchise if he stays in New York for the long haul.
Mike Vaccaro of the Post writes that the blockbuster trade that brought Lindor and Carrasco to the Mets has the potential to go down as one of the greatest trades in New York sports history.
Although there had been rumors that the Mets were in touch with the Cubs regarding Kris Bryant, who is likely to be dealt this winter, Andy Martino of SNY reports that those talks “ended weeks ago.”
Joel Sherman of the Post discusses the difference between last year’s Mets, who also passed on the best catcher in free agency, signed a reliever, and made a blockbuster trade, and this year’s Mets.
Carlos Carrasco recorded a video message for Mets fans that was posted on social media.
Laura Albanese of Newsday takes a look at what Carrasco brings to the Mets’ rotation.
Around the National League East
The Nationals signed Kyle Schwarber to a one-year, $10 million deal—likely more than he would have received in arbitration had the Cubs chosen to retain him.
The Phillies acquired righty reliever Sam Coonrod from the Giants in exchange for pitching prospect Carson Ragsdale.
With the Mets’ acquisition of Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco making the NL East a lot more competitive, Matt Kelly of MLB.com proposes three different ways the Braves can respond.
Around Major League Baseball
The Padres are negotiating a contract extension with their start shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. for 11 years, $320 million.
The Red Sox have reportedly been in “serious trade talks” with multiple teams regarding outfielder Andrew Benintendi.
The Yankees had shown “some interest” in Kyle Schwarber before he ultimately signed with the Nationals, but nothing came to fruition.
The Astros have been very aggressive in the market for high leverage relievers and they are eyeing the likes of Liam Hendricks, Brad Hand, and Alex Colome.
Matt Monagan of MLB.com tells the fascinating story of how the nation of Belize became enamored with the Cubs.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Christian Romo took a look at the Mets’ updated infield situation with Francisco Lindor as the new shortstop and where he might slot into the lineup.
Our minor league team provided a breakdown of the prospects the Mets sent to Cleveland in the Francisco Lindor/Carlos Carrasco trade.
Chris McShane would be very happy if the Mets extended Francisco Lindor and you should be too.
This Date In Mets History
On this date in 2006, the Mets signed a slightly less proven player than Francisco Lindor in Mike Pelfrey, giving their first round draft pick a four-year deal worth $5.25 million before he ever made it to the big leagues. He ultimately failed to live up to his prospect pedigree, but what’s $5 million between friends?