NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Marcus Stroman #0 of the New York Mets in action during an intra squad game at Citi Field on July 17, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The New York Mets are in play for Francisco Lindor, and Marcus Stroman wants to help.
Lindor has many suitors, but the Mets are perhaps the most obvious thanks to their location in the city that never sleeps, the market that comes with it, and the fact that billionaire Steve Cohen just bought the team. Consider Marcus Stroman a believer.
Stroman opted to accept a one-year qualifying offer of his own rather than test free agency this season, which could prove to be a wise decision given the financial state of many of MLB’s usual big spenders. Even if he’s only around for 2021, Stroman would prefer that season come with Lindor defending behind him.
The 29-year-old initially responded to a photo of Lindor buying from his apparel brand, with Stroman quote tweeting the original tweet, stating “I’m praying for this.” When a Mets fan asked if he was recruiting Lindor to the Mets, Stroman quite literally responded “I’m on it.”
Stroman isn’t hiding from his recruiting efforts
Frankly, why should he? Stroman isn’t tampering, as the Indians have let it known around MLB that they’re willing to part with Lindor. The 26-year-old is nearing the end of his contract, and Cleveland won’t be willing to match other long-term offers for him once he reaches free agency.
Acquiring Stroman won’t be easy for the Mets. Despite their solid farm system, the Mets would rather not deal any of their top-2 prospects, but of whom are under the age of 20. Prospect hoarding is at an all-time high in baseball, especially as financial “hardship” spreads across the game.
But if Stroman has his way, Lindor will start at shortstop in Queens on Opening Day.