Lindor: Indians are a 'billion-dollar team' and can afford to extend me
The Cleveland Indians were eliminated from the postseason on Wednesday and must now focus on their offseason priorities, which could include addressing Francisco Lindor's future with the organization.
Lindor is eligible for free agency at the end of 2021. He's expected to command a hefty price tag, one the shortstop believes Cleveland can afford.
"Of course. It's a billion-dollar team," Lindor replied when asked if the Indians have enough money to keep him, according to The Athletic's Zack Meisel.
Lindor and the Indians were engaged in extension talks before the 2020 campaign, but the two sides halted negotiations in March so the infielder could focus on the season ahead.
Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti previously acknowledged making meaningful efforts to lock up the club's star player. However, Lindor is seeking a more lucrative contract than the nine-year, $215-million deal Christian Yelich signed with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Puerto Rican believes that sort of pact is still possible - from the Indians or another team - even though the coronavirus pandemic is financially impacting MLB franchises.
"Did you just see MLB just signed a $3 billion (TV) contract?" said Lindor, who earned the prorated portion of his $17.5-million salary in 2020.
Lindor has been one of the league's most productive, and popular, players since debuting in 2015.
In six seasons with the Indians, he's recorded a .285/.346/.488 slash line with 138 home runs, 411 RBIs, 191 doubles, and 99 steals.