MLB rumors: Mets, Francisco Lindor beat deadline, agree to $341M deal

Mets owner Steve Cohen did what was necessary to get his way.

The billionaire opened up his wallet and threw more money at superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor before the clock struck midnight on an extension.

By late Wednesday night on Opening Day eve, the Mets and Lindor agreed to a 10-year, $341 million deal, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman first reported.

That’s a lot of coin, but Cohen was determined to send a message to everyone — his team, his fan base and every other team — that the Mets will spend whatever it takes to turn their franchise into a perennial winner like their crosstown rivals who play in the Bronx.

The deal was completed hours before Lindor’s imposed Opening Day deadline. If nothing was done before Thursday, he vowed to test the free agent market after the 2021 season. The Mets open the 2021 season on Thursday night on the road against the Washington Nationals.

Lindor’s new pact is the third richest in baseball history in total dollars, trailing only the 12-year, $426.5-million deal that Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout signed in March 2019 and the 12-year, $365-million contract that right fielder Mookie Betts received from the Los Angeles Dodgers last July.

Lindor’s deal surpassed the 14-year, $340 million deal that San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., signed on Feb. 17.

Lindor’s new contract starts in 2022, runs through 2031 and includes a $21 million signing bonus plus $50 million in deferred payments.

The four-time All-Star will make $22.3 million this season.

Earlier Wednesday, the sides appeared to be at a stalemate after the Mets reportedly offered $325 million over 10 years with no deferred money and Lindor asked for $385 million over 12 seasons.

On Jan. 7, the Mets acquired Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco from the Cleveland Indians on Jan. 7 for shortstop Amed Rosario and three prospects — shortstop Andres Gimenez, outfielder Isaiah Greene and pitcher Josh Wolf.

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