Francisco Lindor reacts to Mets' trade deadline fire sale

Star shortstop Francisco Lindor sounds committed to still pursuing a World Series title with the New York Mets following the club's fire sale ahead of the summer trade deadline. 

"It’s a repositioning of players and assets to the organization," Lindor said hours before Tuesday's series opener at the Kansas City Royals, per John Flanigan of SNY. "We’re trying to build a sustainable system. We’re trying to put together a formula to build a system that’s sustainable for years to come. I’m on board. I’m a New York Met. I’m ready to do whatever it takes. I’m looking forward to what the future's going to bring." 

Mets general manager Billy Eppler insisted after the club traded closer David Robertson and starting pitcher Max Scherzer for prospects that the Amazins were not in a full rebuild and instead were "repurposing" the investment of big-spending team owner Steve Cohen. However, Scherzer revealed in a piece published Tuesday afternoon he accepted a trade to the Texas Rangers in part because he was told by Eppler the Mets are going to use 2024 as "a kind of transitory year" and will now plan to compete in 2025 at the earliest. 

The Mets also sent advertised co-ace Justin Verlander back to the Houston Astros among moves New York made before Tuesday's deadline. 

Lindor agreed to a 10-year, $341M contract extension with the Mets ahead of the 2021 campaign and likely isn't going anywhere anytime soon. While the 29-year-old seemingly won't push for a fresh start elsewhere this winter, he indicated he doesn't want Eppler and Cohen to fully punt on next season with 2025 in mind. 

"I’d like to see them continue to do the effort to better the team," Lindor explained. "Not just stop and have an offseason where we don’t get anybody. I want it to be an offseason that’s still working to better the team."