Francisco Lindor has been the largest financial signing in Mets' history. His new 10 year contract, commencing in 2022, is good for 10 years and $341 million.
Despite his slow start, he'll probably do fine.
Let's hope, though, that he is not the next Zoilo Versalles.
Zoilo was a SS for the Twins back in the 1960s, hitting .280 at age 21, and from age 23 thru 25, he had 109 doubles, 35 triples, 49 HRs, and 48 of 61 in steals. Two Gold Gloves, too.
Reminiscent of Lindor.
At age 25, Zoilo won the league's MVP.
His future appeared limitless.
In today's game, his team would probably have signed him to an 8 figure extension that off season.
But he slipped to .249 the year after his MVP, and hit about .210 or so the rest of his career, which ended at the age of 31, when he hit .191.
Back then, though, it wasn't much of a big deal in one sense - because he never cost his team much money.
You see, the year after his 1965 MVP, he made $42,000.
You read that right.
Starting next season, that will pay for (maybe) 2 innings of Lindor. Basically, Lindor will be earning an average of about $50,000 every plate appearance starting in 2022.
I would imagine folks were shocked at how darned fast the MVP Versalles tailed off in his latter 20s.
Really, after age 26.
Quite a few guys do go into a late 20s tailspin...Ruben Tejada and Mallex Smith are two that come to mind, and Billy Hamilton is another.
Add Jose Peraza in there. Nate Colbert is yet another.
Let's darned well hope nothing of the sort happens with Lindor.
The Mets really need to get a big bang from him for their mega bucks.
And not be the next Zoilo Versalles.
Only you would have Zoilo in a headline.
ReplyDeleteAlmost got a Zoilo foul ball that year LOL. We were in the tunnel from stands to concessions, and it suddenly popped into view and hit right in front of us and shot past us. My first and only foul ball was on the day Seaver recorded his 2000th K.
ReplyDeleteI could (and should) have used ex-Met Carlos Baerga. Carlos was on a similar hitting track to David Wright's until he turned 27, then the drop off was quite sharp from 27 on.
Carlos in his 23 to 26 seasons, 4 full years, averaged 98 RBIs and .315. 30 doubles, 20 HRs on average. 44 of 54 in steals. Then he turned 27 and suddenly got old.
Not worried about zoilo, er 'cisco.
ReplyDeleteHey Mack, where can I find Mets MiL rosters?
Hobie,
ReplyDeleteWe have links to each of the Minor League Rosters at the top bar of our page. The problem is that the Mets haven't updated them yet. As soon as they do, we will have them. Mets usually one of last teams to officially release these.
Lets also not forget Andrew Jones of the Braves and McCutchin of the Phil's after 30 #'s. Also how can I forget our very own Strawman certainly not the same player after his first year in Dodger blue.
ReplyDeleteThat would be something. Washed up before his contract kicks in.
ReplyDelete