What’s the Best Deal the Tribe Can Get For Francisco Lindor?
For months, if not longer, it’s been a given that SS Francisco Lindor is good as gone. Owner Paul Dolan said in 2019 to “enjoy him” while he was still wearing an Indians uniform. More recently the organization has made it clear they will not be keeping him next season. Now that the realization has sunk in, let’s look to the future at some potential trade scenarios that are out there.
- Philadelphia Phillies acquire Lindor (SS) and Roberto Perez (C) Cleveland Indians acquire Bryson Stott (SS), Francisco Morales (RHP), Rafael Marchan (C) and Jhailyn Ortiz (OF)
- St Louis Cardinals acquire Lindor (SS) Cleveland Indians acquire Harrison Bader (OF), Tommy Edman (INF/OF), Johan Oviedo (RHP), Angel Rondon (RHP)
- Cincinnati Reds acquire Lindor (SS) Cleveland Indians acquire Nick Senzel (INF/OF), Austin Hendrick (OF), Tyler Stephenson (C), Jonathan India (3B), Jose Garcia (SS)
- Toronto Blue Jays acquire Lindor (SS) Cleveland Indians acquire Lourdes Gurriel (LF), Alejandro Kirk (C), Kevin Smith (SS/3B)
- New York Yankees acquire Lindor (SS), Cleveland Indians acquire Clint Frazier (OF), Miguel Andujar (INF), Luis Gil (RHP), Albert Abreu (RHP)
- Los Angeles Dodgers acquire Lindor (SS) Cleveland Indians acquire Dustin May (RHP), Matt Beaty (1B/OF), Cody Thomas (OF)
- New York Mets acquire Lindor (SS) and Austin Hedges (C) Cleveland Indians acquire Andres Gimenez (SS), Jeff McNeil (2B/OF), Pete Crow-Armstrong (OF), Ryley Gilliam (RHP)The Indians appear to be in rebuilding mode. With that being said, if the right deal is made, the Tribe can still be a contending team. Lindor’s production has been slowly declining since 2018. Despite the 2020 condensed season, Lindor stole only six bases, had eight home runs and ended with a batting average of .258.It’s not his stats that paint the picture, it’s the lack of energy and enthusiasm that was most noted this season. He was once the backbone of the team, best known for hitting clutch, running the bases hard to make things happen. That was absent at times and despite Lindor telling reporters he “wants to stay in Cleveland” his performance on the field didn’t always mirror that statement.
Now’s the time to look ahead and ponder which deal the organization may make and the best one to help the team. The Cleveland Indians have survived losing players of Lindor’s caliber and they will once again.
