Mets will give Francisco Lindor $ 22.3 million to avoid arbitration

The millions started to rain for Francisco Lindor.

The all-star Puerto Rican shortstop hit a one-year $ 22.3 million deal with the New York Mets.k to avoid arbitration within a week of trading to the Big Apple of the Cleveland Indians.

How is the salary arbitration process in the Major Leagues? Listen to the Extra Time podcast

It is the fourth largest arbitration deal in MLB history. Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts struck a $ 27 million deal in 2020 before signing him a $ 365 million contract for 12 years. They are followed by Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado with $ 26 million in 2019 and Minnesota Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson with $ 23 in 2018 with the Atlanta Braves.

Lindor, 27, will become a free agent in late 2021, and reports suggest he will negotiate a multi-year extension to remain in the Big Apple.

Before moving to New York, Lindor made $ 17.5 million from the Indians in 2020 to avoid arbitration, an increase of $ 7 million from the previous year in his first year of eligibility (10.5 million ).

In his six-year career in the majors, Lindor has had 185 home runs with an average of .285. He has two gold gloves and two silver bats in the American League and has made four All-Star appearances.

On January 7, he was traded to the Mets along with Venezuelan starter Carlos Carrrasco in exchange for infielders Amed Rosario and Andrés Giméndez, plus two potential clients.