"It's possible to have two $300,000,000 players in your team" - When Francisco Lindor lauded Fernando Tatis Jr.'s contract extension with Padres

Back in January 2021, the New York Mets traded to acquire Francisco Lindor from the Cleveland Guardians. New York sent Andres Gimenez, Amed Rosario, Josh Wolf and Isaiah Greene for Lindor and Carlos Carrasco.

It was the start of something special as Lindor was just 27 at the time. However, he was expected to become a free agent following the end of the 2021 season, but the front office wanted to keep him around longer.

Earlier in that offseason, Fernando Tatis Jr. signed his 14-year, $340 million extension with the San Diego Padres. With an extension looming, Lindor was asked what he thought about the new deal in an interview with Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci.

"It's great for him. It shows the game is moving in the right direction now. It is possible to have two $300-million players in your team," said Lindor.

Lindor was ecstatic to see Tatis sign such a big extension. It showed that teams have the power to structure their finances and have multiple stars on their roster.

"For a player like Tatis and how impactful he is on the field, this is well deserving. I'm happy for him, I'm happy for his family, and I can't wait to be in the same league and run it with him," said Lindor.

It would not be long before Francisco Lindor would get his extension with the Mets

New York Mets - Francisco Lindor (Photo via IMAGN)

Owner Steve Cohen wanted to lock Francisco Lindor down long-term. He did not want to see the star he traded for become a free agent and potentially sign with another club the following season.

On March 31, 2021, it was announced that Lindor and the Mets had agreed to a 10-year, $341 million deal that would keep the slugger in Queens until 2031.

He held the club's biggest contract in franchise history at the time. That was until Juan Soto signed his massive 15-year, $765 million deal just a few weeks ago.

Since signing with the Mets, Lindor has improved with each season. His home run numbers have seen a consistent rise over the last four seasons. This past season was one of his most successful. He started 152 games, hitting .273/.344/.500 with 29 stolen bases, 33 home runs, and 91 runs batted in.

It will be interesting to see if that trend continues during the 2025 season.