Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Unless something drastic changes, it appears like Francisco Lindor will be wearing a new uniform by Opening Day next season. Last week, USA Today reported that Lindor would be moved this offseason, after many had speculated as much since the end of the season.
Now Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com has confirmed USA Today’s report, while also getting some more information on the buzz surrounding a Lindor trade right now.
Morosi reports that the Mets, Yankees, Phillies, Blue Jays and Cardinals are currently looking like the top suitors for Lindor, with the Indians wanting to wait until the Mets can be involved with their new front office before making any deal.
One interesting note from Morosi’s report was the intended package that Cleveland would like to receive in exchange for the four-time All-Star.
“One source said the Tribe is seeking three players — either in the Majors or close to debuting — in return for Lindor.”
The Indians have made the playoffs in four of the past five seasons and won three-straight division titles from 2016 through 2018. This is not a team that wants to go into a lengthy rebuild, but would instead like to retool around their great pitching.
Due to their losses from the pandemic, Cleveland is trying to cut costs having already waived Brad Hand with his $10 million salary and now looking to trade Lindor. Being able to insert three cost-effective players on their major league roster has to be very attractive to the Indians under these circumstances.
With players like Amed Rosario, Andres Gimenez, Dominic Smith, Brandon Nimmo, J.D. Davis, Jeff McNeil and even Luis Guillorme, the Mets have a long list of players that would interest Cleveland. The question is which three would they chose.
Morosi also notes in his report that Cleveland would not necessarily require a shortstop in the trade, as their No. 2 prospect Tyler Freeman plays the position.
