Francisco Lindor’s contract with the New York Mets, a 10-year deal worth $341 million, represents one of the most significant investments in Major League Baseball. Signed at the beginning of the 2021 season, the extension was intended to bring an elite offensive player to the Mets, with ownership expecting Lindor to consistently perform at an MVP-caliber level.

However, the outcome has been mixed. Lindor, previously a key player for the Cleveland Indians during their 2016 World Series run, was traded to the Mets in early 2021.

Since joining the Mets, Lindor’s performance has been somewhat underwhelming relative to his hefty salary. Over four seasons, he has posted a batting line of .258/.335/.459, translating to a .795 OPS, which falls short of the expectations tied to his $34.1 million annual salary.

Despite these concerns, Lindor has had notable achievements in his Mets tenure. He earned ninth-place finishes in the National League MVP voting in both 2022 and 2023 and won a Silver Slugger Award in the latter year.

Additionally, his defensive prowess at shortstop has been impressive, with an average of 5.8 fWAR (Wins Above Replacement), indicating he has been among the top players at his position.

Yet, Lindor’s performance has not translated into an All-Star selection, despite his status as the 11th highest-paid player in MLB.

With six years remaining on his substantial contract, the Mets face the challenge of managing the expectations and reality of their investment. As they navigate the remainder of Lindor’s contract, there is a growing concern that this era of spending could be marked by a lack of significant achievements.