Top Landing Spots and Trade Packages for Indians SS Francisco Lindor Amid Rumors
Francisco Lindor is entering his final year before free agency. Cost-conscious Cleveland almost surely can't sign him to a long-term contract. He earned $17.6 million in his most recent arbitration go-round and is poised for a raise.
Hence word, via USA Today's Bob Nightengale, that Cleveland intends to trade the four-time All-Star this winter.
Lindor is a generational talent and plays a premium position. He'll turn 27 on Nov. 14. Every club would benefit from his services.
But based on need, trade assets and the ability to ink Lindor to an extension, let's examine a half-dozen landing spots that make the most sense.
Cincinnati Reds
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In January, former Cincinnati Reds general manager Jim Bowden proposed the following swap in a piece for The Athletic: "Francisco Lindor is traded from the Cleveland Indians to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for outfielder Nick Senzel, infielder Jonathan India, right-handed pitcher Tyler Mahle and a player to be named in a four-for-one blockbuster deal."
It didn't happen, but the Reds still have a need at shortstop. Senzel, the second overall pick in the 2016 amateur draft, has shown flashes in two big league seasons and has the tools to be a well-rounded big league center fielder.
Mahle may be off-limits after emerging as a piece of the future for the Reds in 2020 with a 3.59 ERA and 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings in 47.2 frames. But a high-upside MiLB arm such as India added to Senzel should be enough for a year of Lindor's services.
Lindor, meanwhile, would push Cincinnati closer to the top of a crowded National League Central, though the Reds might be hard-pressed to wow him with an extension offer that would keep him from testing free agency.
Los Angeles Angels
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The Los Angeles Angels missed the postseason in 2020 despite the expanded playoff format and the continued presence of Mike Trout.
If the Halos want to reverse course in 2021, they'll require pitching. But they'll also need to re-sign or replace smooth-fielding shortstop Andrelton Simmons.
Cleveland's outfield depth chart has been an issue for years. The Angels could offer top prospect Brandon Marsh and sweeten the deal with high-ceiling middle infielder Jeremiah Jackson.
It would be a steep price to pay. But Los Angeles has Jo Adell—who got his feet wet at the highest level in 2020—and toolsy 21-year-old Jordyn Adams waiting in the wings.
The Angels and owner Arte Moreno have given gaudy pacts to Trout, Albert Pujols and others. The club is fully capable of throwing money at Lindor to keep him in Anaheim and form a potent offensive trio with Trout and third baseman Anthony Rendon.
New York Yankees
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The New York Yankees need to make noise this winter after finishing second in the AL East and falling in the division series to the rival Tampa Bay Rays.
The first order of business should be bolstering the starting rotation behind ace Gerrit Cole. But adding Lindor to an already-stacked lineup would be a coup for the Bronx Bombers.
Recently, Tom Verducci offered this proposal for Sports Illustrated:
"Unconvinced of Gleyber Torres at shortstop, in need of left-handed hitting to balance a right-handed-heavy lineup, and jumping in front of the shortstop market next year, they trade for Francisco Lindor from Cleveland with the intention of signing him to a long-term deal. Torres, Clint Frazier and young pitchers are part of a package going to the Indians."
Considering Lindor would be a rental, that sounds steep. Torres is entering his age-24 season and was an All-Star who picked up down-ballot MVP votes in 2019.
Add an intriguing arm such as right-hander Trevor Stephan and maybe a throw-in chip or two, and it ought to be enough for the Yanks to at least grab Cleveland's attention.
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Philadelphia Phillies
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The Philadelphia Phillies have played two seasons since signing Bryce Harper to a megadeal prior to the 2019 campaign, and twice they've whiffed on the playoffs.
The Phils need to improve the bullpen this winter and could use help in the starting rotation. Plus, they should make a strong push to re-sign star catcher J.T. Realmuto.
But Philadelphia may also have a hole at shortstop if veteran Didi Gregorius signs elsewhere.
Pairing Lindor with Harper would give the Phillies a superstar tandem to match any in the game and would instantly boost their position in the NL East pecking order.
Philadelphia could build a package around touted shortstop prospect Bryson Stott and add another piece such as hard-throwing right-hander Francisco Morales. And it has the financial flex to keep Lindor in the City of Brotherly Love beyond 2021.
New York Mets
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With billionaire Steve Cohen now at the helm as owner of the New York Mets, it should be an active and exciting winter in Queens.
Look for Cohen to make multiple headline-grabbing moves. A Lindor acquisition would fit the bill.
New York could make Cleveland a highly competitive offer centered around 22-year-old shortstop Andres Gimenez, who hit .263 in 49 games as a rookie last season and boasts plus speed and defensive capabilities.
Throw in big right-hander Matthew Allan and Cohen could be well on his way to re-establishing the Mets as an October factor.
Plus, it could set off an epic Big Apple trade war with the Yankees, as Ken Davidoff the the New York Post noted.
Los Angeles Dodgers
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The Los Angeles Dodgers are the defending champions. After winning their first title since 1988 in a truncated season, they'd love to win another one and silence any remaining doubters.
Netting Lindor and slotting him into a lineup that already features 2019 NL MVP Cody Bellinger, 2020 NL MVP finalist Mookie Betts and 2020 World Series MVP Corey Seager would push L.A. toward next-level unfairness.
Yes, Seager plays shortstop. But with third baseman Justin Turner possibly leaving via free agency, the Dodgers could slide Seager to the hot corner and slot Lindor at short.
Based on the fact that they signed Betts to a massive extension after acquiring him from the Boston Red Sox, we know Andrew Friedman and Co. are capable of locking down superstars. We know they were interested in Lindor last winter.
It would cost Los Angeles a top youngster such as second baseman Gavin Lux or catcher Keibert Ruiz. But getting Lindor to SoCal and keeping him at Betts' side for years to come is way too tantalizing.
All statistics courtesy of Baseball Reference.
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