Sandy Alderson spoke to the media this morning and said that both Michael Conforto and Francisco Lindor contract extension talks should begin in short order which has become a priority for the team as spring training games begin today.
On Conforto he said, ” We’ve had Conforto for many years. He’s not only become an excellent player but also part of, I think, the leadership group within the clubhouse,” Alderson told reporters via Zoom on Monday. “He’s represented the Mets for a long period of time and represented us well. And I think if it’s possible that we will make the effort to try and keep Michael with us.
As far as Lindor is concerned Sandy commented, ” With respect to Lindor, we made the trade. It doesn’t mean necessarily that we are guaranteed to have him long-term. But I think we’re committed to talking about it. And I expect that those conversations will start relatively soon in both cases.”
Alderson also talked a bit about George Springer and seemed to indicate that his demands might have had an impact on these 2 extension talks. And I wholeheartedly agree. The notion that Steve Cohen has tons of money is certainly true but I am sure a payroll budget was set up and it is not a blank check nor should it be.
I am also sure that beyond Conforto & Lindor Sandy has the future of Noah Syndergaard in mind as well, He can wait to decide on his upcoming free agent status as we still have to see him perform in post-Tommy John surgery setting but I am sure that could affect future moves as well.
Getting team control from Carlos Carrasco and Taijuan Walker moves serve as a great backup plan should Thor leave but it is something that clearly must not be overlooked when analyzing the 2022 payroll.
Sandy also shared with us how the Met hiring protocol will change in the wake of the issues we have seen with both Jared Porter and Mickey Callaway. He indicated the team would be taking background checks to a higher level and as he put it, “be more intentional about communicating with women who may have had some contact with the potential new employee.”
Clearly a busy morning and by the way the Mets open their sprong training schedule in Jupiter today vs the Marlins
Here is today’s lineup:
Brandon Nimmo CF
Francisco Lindor SS
Pete Alonso 1B
JD Davis 3B
Jonathan Villar 2B
Kevin Pillar RF
Jose Martinez LF
Tomas Nido C
Patrick Mazeika DH
Harol Gonzalez P