WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – Mets President Sandy Alderson watched from near the visiting city on Sunday as a potentially half a billion dollars in contract extensions against nationals.
First, Michael Conforto entered the grassy neck behind the central fence at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Later, Francisco Lindor threw the third homer in less than a week, a two-run shot inside the right post in the right field, also against Max Scherzer.
Checkbook, Steve Cohen?
Both players are discussing the long-term extensions with the Mets, but with the opening day approaching, they are constantly. Lindor was firm last week saying he will not negotiate in the regular season and is ready to become a free agent unless an agreement is reached to open the season. Conforto sounded less determined on Sunday when asked about potential negotiations in the regular season.
“Ideally, I wouldn’t want to do that,” he said.
And it is also clear that he has finished talking about the subject, in addition to acknowledging that enlargement talks have taken place.
“Right now I’m just focusing on baseball,” Conforto said. “I’m not very interested in talking about contractual things, it’s between me, my family, my agent and the team. I want to stay as focused on baseball as I can now. ”
Lindor could face a multi-year deal north of $ 300 million, which would put him in the same stratosphere as players like Mookie Betts and Fernando Tatis Jr., who have received mammoth extensions in the past year. According to an industry source, the Mets’ offer to Lindor at the moment was less than $ 300 million, but the team is willing to increase it to that level. It is unclear what Lindor was looking for, but it is believed to exceed $ 300 million. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported for the first time that the Mets are willing to increase their initial offer.
If the $ 150 million six-year contract George Springer signed with the Blue Jays in the winter is used as a barometer, the 28-year-old Conforto – who is three years younger than Springer – s – could look at $ 200 million with his next deal. Conforto is represented by Scott Boras, who usually pushes his clients to a free agency.
So keeping Lindor and Conforto could cost the Mets half a billion dollars.
“Those two guys are great players, so you definitely want them to be on the same team as them,” Jacob deGrom said after launching 4 ² / in closing innings in the 6-2 Mets victory. “So it’s definitely something I’m rooting for.”
DeGrom, who completed his own contract extension (five years, $ 137.5 million) just a day before the deadline to open the season in 2019, was asked what advice he would give Lindor and Conforto.
“Whatever they decide to do, make their decision and even if you take an offer or leave an offer that is your decision and simply choose it from there,” said deGrom.
Would DeGrom sign the extension if he is given a file?
“I honestly didn’t think of that,” he said.
Conforto, which was developed and developed by the Mets, has expressed a desire to stay with the only organization it knows. He reiterated that position on Sunday to some extent.
“I came here,” he said. “It’s something that we, as players, think is an interesting thing to spend your whole career in one place, but there are so many other factors that go into it and I won’t go too far, in depth. I’ve been quite open about this before, but I like the people I come to work with every day. It was a good place for me. I grew a lot. I learned a lot and I love the city. ”