Mets should not trade for Francisco Lindor this offseason

Offseason talk about the New York Mets trading for Francisco Lindor has already started. It’s not a move the team should make.

Everyone has an opinion on what the New York Mets should do this offseason. Nobody’s wrong as long as it improves the club.

The belief for many seems to be that the Mets will have an active offseason either via free agency or trade. One name frequently appearing in any trade talks—whether it be an actual rumor or some pontificating amongst friends—is Francisco Lindor of the Cleveland Indians.

Lindor would definitely make the Mets a better team. His offensive production at shortstop has elite-potential. He’s still young and someone I think every Mets fan would love to see call Citi Field home.

However, because it would take a trade to bring him to New York, it doesn’t make nearly as much sense to bring him in. The Mets have maybe one blockbuster trade in them to make this winter. Lindor is not the man they should target.

There are some obvious reasons why Lindor doesn’t make sense for the Mets. For starters, they already have shortstop options.

Whether you like Amed Rosario or not, he is a big league player the team could get away with at shortstop. There’s also Andres Gimenez on the rise as well as minor league Ronny Mauricio we can look forward to seeing soon.

The gluttony of shortstop talent the Mets have is enviable. Why waste resources to trade for a guy approaching free agency when you can just wait a little longer and sign him?

I know waiting for a player to reach free agency is a risk. But Lindor isn’t a must-have commodity for this ball club. They have more pressing needs and should allocate any trade assets available to make another deal.

You want specifics? The Mets need to swing a trade for a starting pitcher.

Free agency includes a very limited pool of talented starting pitchers this winter. Trevor Bauer and Marcus Stroman are the two of the best. Either one could help the Mets, but I’m not so sure they can get both.

This past season, we were reminded of the importance starting pitching plays. When you don’t have it, it doesn’t matter how strong your offense is. You aren’t going to win very many games when you get into an early hole.

There are only so many trades any team can make in one winter. Trading for a shortstop of Lindor’s ilk makes headlines, but it doesn’t necessarily benefit the Mets most. It fails to address bigger needs. Starting pitching is what will improve the Mets. If they ever find themselves playing postseason baseball again, it’s the part of the roster that will help them go all the way.

For a ridiculously low price—sure, the Mets should make a trade for Lindor. Let’s be realistic, though. They aren’t getting a bargain. And I suspect with the hype surrounding Steve Cohen’s arrival, some teams may feel the need to tax the club in any trade. Call it the “richest owner in MLB tax” if you want.

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While trading for Lindor isn’t something I desire, a trade with the Indians involving another player could make sense. Cleveland is desperate for some outfield help and the Mets have a few players they could offer up. In exchange, I would like to see pick up a pitcher for the rotation or even the bullpen.