Darryl Strawberry Has Warning For Francisco Lindor

Former Mets star Darryl Strawberry joined SNY to discuss the looming contract of Francisco Lindor — and he offers a warning:

“He’s obviously very talented and he has a right to make as much money as he can. I just know that a lot of players come to New York and don’t realize the expectations are real, and they’re very high and deep,” he said.

“It’s a place where fans are like, ‘Show me. Show me every night.’ It’s a big difference playing in Cleveland compared to New York, especially in his situation. The media will be focused on him like they were with me going into free agency. If he doesn’t sign, I don’t know if he realizes what he’ll have to deal with, day in and day out.”

“But if he doesn’t sign it’s a gamble, no question about it. You don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Darryl Strawberry gave his thoughts on Francisco Lindor’s contract talks (via @NYNJHarper) https://t.co/6nU1A2WHGF pic.twitter.com/XHpINn2D7D

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 30, 2021

The Mets have already offered Lindor a 10-year, $325 million deal, which was declined and countered at a reported 12-years, $385 million. It’s less money per year, but the four-time All-Star clearly wants security well into his 30s.

Makes sense considering not many people, athlete or otherwise, leave money on the table.

Source: Lindor has made the Mets a counteroffer, $385 million over 12 years.

That is a slightly lower average annual value but a longer term and significantly higher total financial commitment.

Lindor already has told the Mets no their “best and final” offer of $325M/10 years.

— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) March 30, 2021

Pete Alonso on Francisco Lindor:

“I hope they pay him $400 million, he’s worth every penny” pic.twitter.com/scrtOySs4S

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 30, 2021

What’s Darryl Strawberry really saying?

It’s almost like he’s offering Francisco Lindor the opportunity to be the “good guy” and to take the Mets’ initial offer. He would certainly look more team oriented if he didn’t milk the Mets for every penny, but so far, Lindor has countered at an asking price that he knows he can get.

Worth noting that some claim every year that no one will give Lindor that kind of contract — when they’re absolutely wrong. Lindor WILL demand and receive nearly every penny he asks for because he has the potential to be the face of baseball behind Tatis Jr. or Mike Trout. Hardly any other player has the smile and charisma or the talent to back it up the way the Mets’ star shortstop does.

We also should address the most important piece of what Darryl said:

“Show me. Show me every night.”

Well, Lindor batted .258 last year and that can’t happen in New York. It may have been a short season that many didn’t “count,” but a player signing for over $30 million per season can’t afford down years in New York City. If it happens, it’ll be a headache for everyone. The media eats struggling players alive, and Darryl knows it.

It’ll be interesting to see which advice Lindor takes going forward, but a good start would be that offered from Mr. Strawberry himself.