Sporting a new look, blue hair, Cleveland Indians All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor spoke publicly for the first time since news broke about his right calf strain. The immediate future is in doubt in regards to his return to the lineup. He is expected to miss seven to nine weeks and not be ready for opening day on March 28.
Francisco Lindor meeting with the media today in Goodyear. pic.twitter.com/Fm0pqChKKV
— Nick Camino (@NickCaminoWTAM) February 18, 2019
But what his long term future with the Indians organization? Will Lindor show loyalty and agree to a new contract, or are Tribe fans and the organization on borrowed time with their best player?
“Who knows?’ Lindor said on day one of full squad workouts in Goodyear, Ariz. “That’s not where we are right now. I was focusing on arbitration. That’s not where I am when it comes to long-term deals.”
Lindor received a nice pay raise this off season. The 25-year old will make $10.55 million after making less than $700,000 last season. It is just a one year deal for the All-Star shortstop, but Lindor and the Indians avoided arbitration.
Here’s #Indians star shortstop Francisco Lindor on the possibility of signing a long term deal with the Tribe pic.twitter.com/MmvHKHpBHH
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) February 18, 2019
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“Did you see the number? It’s pretty good. I’ll take it,” Lindor said. “I’m blessed to play this game and get paid for it. My agent did an outstanding job and the Indians came up with the right number. We thought it was good for what the market was dictating to me. I thank the owners, the front office and my agent as well. They did an outstanding job and I signed the paper. I’m happy.”
Don’t be concerned about the length of the deal. The Indians control Lindor’s rights for three more years. After the 2021 season is complete and a long term deal is not complete, then it will be time to panic.
How much could Lindor be worth? Who knows for sure. Consider this, Bryce Harper turned down a 10-year $300 million offer. Harper is an outfielder with power.
Lindor is a switch hitter with power from both sides of the plate. Frankie is also an all-around solid hitter who plays shortstop. Guys with all of those talents don’t come around very often. That means big dollars are in his future, but it’s not all about the money in his mind.
“I love the city of Cleveland. I love everything about Cleveland,” Lindor said. “We’ll see what happens. At the end of the day I’m playing the game to win, and this is a good place for me to win. We’ll see. If the Indians come up with the right numbers and some point it happens — and I’m not even thinking about it — we’ll see.”
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
