The New York Mets have reportedly reached a jaw-dropping agreement with shortstop Francisco Lindor on a five-year, $550 million contract extension — the largest in MLB history.
Lindor, 31, was already under contract through 2031 after signing a 10-year, $341 million deal in 2021. This new extension will reportedly kick in after the original deal expires, keeping the four-time All-Star in Queens through the 2036 season and making him the highest-paid player in baseball history in terms of average annual value (AAV), at a staggering $110 million per year.
“This is where I want to be,” Lindor said in a brief statement released by the Mets. “I love this city, this team, and our fans. I’m here to win — and I believe we will.”
The mega-extension signals a renewed commitment from Mets owner Steve Cohen, who has never shied away from investing in star talent. Lindor has become the face of the franchise since arriving in a blockbuster trade from Cleveland, and he’s played at an elite level on both sides of the ball. Last season, he hit .281 with 34 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 25 stolen bases while also winning his third Gold Glove Award.
Fans and analysts alike are stunned by the magnitude of the deal. “We’ve never seen a contract like this in baseball,” said ESPN’s Jeff Passan. “This could completely reset the market for elite position players.”
For the Mets, this is a power move — a statement that the franchise is building around Lindor for the long haul. With key pieces like Pete Alonso and Kodai Senga also under team control, the Mets appear poised for a sustained championship window.
While the financial risks are enormous, the Mets are banking on Lindor’s production, leadership, and marketability to justify the historic price tag. For now, one thing is clear: Francisco Lindor is a Met — and a very, very rich one — for years to come.
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