Alderson Expects Conforto, Lindor Extension Talks to Begin Soon

Prior to Monday afternoon’s Grapefruit League season opener against the Miami Marlins, New York Mets Team President Sandy Alderson addressed the media in Port St. Lucie.

One of the hot topics of conversation of course was potential contract extensions. When asked how motivated the organization is to work out long-term deals with sluggers Michael Conforto and Francisco Lindor, Alderson said he “expects those talks to begin relatively soon.”

Alderson said that entering his seventh season in orange and blue, Conforto has “not only become an excellent player, but also part of the leadership group in the clubhouse. He’s represented the Mets for a long time, and represented us well.”

Alderson added that the organization will “make the effort to try and keep Michael with us.”

Alderson also mentioned that this offseason talks with All-Star centerfielder George Springer came down to five years versus six, and if they were to ultimately give Springer the sixth year, it could’ve made it harder for the Mets to keep Conforto long-term.

On Lindor, Alderson said that while the trade didn’t necessarily guarantee the team would have him long-term, they are committed to having those talks. He added that the team will try to meet Lindor’s timetable of working out an extension before spring training ends.

When asked about contract talks postgame on Monday, Lindor told reporters he doesn’t know when discussions will begin, though they might start soon. “They have to get to know me and I have to get to know the organization,” the newly acquired shortstop said.

Along with Lindor and Conforto, Alderson was also asked about a potential extension with right-hander Noah Syndergaard, and he said it would be “natural for us to at least explore the possibilities” with the hard-throwing righty’s contract expiring at the end of the season.

All three of these stars play a huge role in this Mets clubhouse, and figure to play a tremendous part in their success during the 2021 season, and hopefully beyond.

The post Alderson Expects Conforto, Lindor Extension Talks to Begin Soon first appeared on Metsmerized Online.