CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 14: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians looks on during the first game of a doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins on September 14, 2019 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
The Indians sound determined to trade Francisco Lindor this offseason
Lindor is entering the final season of his deal, so the urgency is up for the Tribe to make a move. Cleveland doesn’t have nearly as much leverage as it did last offseason, when rumors were also abound that they might be willing to deal their star shortstop. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and shortened season derailed those plans.
The Indians’ playoff run was cut short in MLB’s expanded postseason, as they lost in the Wild Card round to the New York Yankees. Now, as Cleveland looks to take the next step by taking into account the obvious constraints of a mid-market team, Lindor has to go. According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, five teams have entered the fray as favorites.
Which team makes the most sense as a suitor for Lindor?
Cleveland has tried to get the Mets involved from the outset, as they have a combination of young talent and prospects that the Indians have long had interest in. The St. Louis Cardinals could also offer an intriguing package, with a mid-tier farm system and plenty of young talent on an already-contending roster.
The Yankees, meanwhile, are always attached to top talent, and they have the farm system to match. Should they be able to add Clint Frazier to a deal, along with some prospects, a trade seems plausible.
The Blue Jays and Phillies are intriguing fits. Toronto is believed to be a dark horse contender for most high-priced free agents this offseason. While most franchises won’t break the bank this Winter, the Jays are an anomaly. Philadelphia also wants to add talent around Bryce Harper, but a trade will be harder to come by given their weak farm system.