If the Mets can’t lock him in with an extension, Francisco Lindor could find out exactly where he stands as one of the game’s top shortstops next off-season.
Meanwhile, the Mets’ new superstar believes he already knows the answer.
“In general? Me,” Lindor told Sports Illustrated, when asked who is the best short stop. “Because I’ll do it every day. I count on myself every day. Every day. Trevor story? I love. of watching him. We talk about hitting and defending. The best hands in shortstop position right now are Freddy Galvis and Andrelton Simmons. Best hitter? When? [Corey] Seager is on his level, I think he’s the best hitter.
“If we go tool for tool, there are much better than me. [Fernando] Tatis [Jr.]He is unbelievable. And [Javier] Báez? I’ve been playing against Báez since I grew up and it’s like, “Bro, how are you doing this?”
“There is that fine balance between being confident and being stubborn. Sometimes it is difficult for me to admit to myself who is the best short stop. Why? Because of that fine balance. I am sure. I think I’m the best short stop. “
The Mets hope to sign Lindor for an extension before he can become a free agent next winter, after trading for him and Carlos Carrasco in January in a deal with the Indians.
But when Lindor hits the open market, he would join a star-studded class of free-agent shortstops expected to include Seager, Story, Baez and Carlos Correa.
For now, 27-year-old Lindor – a four-time All-Star, two Gold Glove shortstop and two Silver Slugger – is preparing for the 2021 season, his first in a Mets uniform after a down year during the shortened 2020.