Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Cleveland Indians intend to trade star shortstop Francisco Lindor before 2021 Opening Day. The Indians continue to look at cutting payroll after declining the option on stud reliever Brad Hand last week.
Lindor, turning 27 next week, had a 2020 salary of $17.5 million and will become a free agent after the 2021 season. The former first round pick had a down year in 2020, he slashed .258/.335/.413 with 13 doubles, eight home runs, and six stolen bases in 60 games for Cleveland.
The 2020 was the first time since his rookie year in 2014, that he didn’t finish in the top 15 of MVP voting in the American League. He was an All-Star ever year from 2016 through 2019, has two Silver Slugger awards and two Gold Gloves.
Lindor is a career .285/.346/.488 hitter over 777 games and his 162-game average season is 40 doubles, 29 home runs, and 21 stolen bases. The switch-hitter also has 46 defensive runs saved in his career at shortstop and his best overall season was in 2018 when he posted a 7.8 WAR.
The Mets currently have emerging youngster Andres Gimenez as an option to start at short and former top prospect Amed Rosario.
