Cleveland Indians: When Francisco Lindor might sign an extension
The Cleveland Indians tried to lock up Francisco Lindor, to no avail. So when might the budding superstar sign an extension, if at all?
Whether or not Francisco Lindor might or might not sign a contract extension with the Cleveland Indians continues to be hot topic among die-hard Tribe fans.
The franchise reportedly offered a pact in the $100 million range during the spring of 2017. Lindor turned it down, willing to bet on himself and live off the money he’s being paid to be the face of New Balance.
With a fat endorsement contract to rely on, Lindor could easily coast into free agency, which is still four seasons away.
Lindor’s not talking about extension right now. He’s playing the “Talk to my agent,” card.
That’s fine, but it doesn’t sound good if you’re hoping the Indians lock him up through most of his prime.
If you’re looking for an extension, my guess is that it won’t happen this season, but during the winter of 2019? That’s a different story.
1. The Indians have a significant amount of payroll coming off the books following this season. Cody
Combined, Andrew Miller, Cody Allen and Michael Brantley consume $31.5 million of the Tribe’s $125 million payroll in 2018. The Tribe faithful loves Miller, and Allen, but a small market like Cleveland isn’t exactly the type of place that turns up the money printing press for a reliever.
2. Lindor has some incentive to sign eventually. He’s leaving money off the table. He’ll earn just over $500,000 this season as one of the best bargains in baseball. He’ll be arbitration eligible this offseason, though, and will see a major bump in pay.
3. With that dollar figure in mind, keep in mind how slow free agency moved leading up to Spring Training. J.D. Martinez was thought to carry a $200 million price tag. He ended up getting a five-year pact for $110 million. A nice price tag we’d all love to see on our paychecks, but well short of what his agent, Scott Boras, was originally seeking.
4. Teams are all of a sudden being penny wise, and in this market climate, it doesn’t make sense for Lindor to sign anything. He appears poised to wait another season to see what type of money Bryce Harper receives this offseason. It could be in the $400-$500 million range.
5. The Indians and Lindor were not talking about an extension as recently as Feb. 8, according to Fan Rag Sports scribe Jon Heyman. Sadly, at the ripe ole’ age of 24, Lindor is already playing the “Talk to my agent card.”
6. The onus isn’t only on Lindor, though. The Indians have to pony up the money because their shortstop just isn’t talented, he’s one of the few faces of baseball.
When’s the last time the Cleveland Indians had a player like this?
7. The Indians showed some good will offering that $100 million extension last Spring Training, but now fans should be wondering if the organization blew its opportunity to buy up some of Lindor’s prime years.
Would Lindor had signed if the Indians offered $125-$150 million? That number may look like a bargain before the ink dries on his next contract.
Next: 3 Indians on the bubble this Spring Training
Rest easy for now on The Corner, though. Lindor isn’t going anywhere. He’s under team control through the 2021 season. However, if there’s no extension by next spring, the free agency clock will be up and running.