Mets Trade Rumors: Francisco Lindor very much available this winter

New York Mets trade rumors are beginning to swirl and one name to pay attention to is the possibility of landing Francisco Lindor.

MLB trade rumors are beginning to come in a little faster than results from the 2020 presidential election. One of the first big ones comes as no surprise. The Cleveland Indians are reportedly hoping to trade Francisco Lindor before Opening Day 2021. For New York Mets trade rumors, this could get very interesting.

Lindor has been a potential trade target for the Mets the moment it became clear his time in Cleveland was nearing its end. Even if the Mets already have more shortstops than they know what to do with, the team may feel obligated to go out and make the big splash.

Mets trade rumors this offseason have, thus far, been nothing more than speculation. The arrival of Steve Cohen has fans feeling optimistic. Opposing teams, meanwhile, are turning green with envy.

The Mets should be one of the top trade destinations for Lindor. It’s not so much because they have the most to offer in return but more about how likely it is they could sign him to an extension immediately after the deal is done.

This is, and will remain, the one necessity in any trade for Lindor. Without an extension, the Mets are trading for a guy bound for free agency after the 2021 season. They need the guarantee that this young star shortstop will remain in New York beyond the one year left on his deal.

Otherwise, it’s a trade with a short-term investment and not the long one Lindor could be.

Lindor may not fit the greatest need for the Mets position-wise. However, his bat is something they could definitely use.

Righties struggled at the plate in 2020 for this team. A lifetime .285 hitter, Lindor would give this franchise a sometimes righty stick (he’s a switch hitter) that puts the bat on the ball. It’s an incredibly underrated aspect of Lindor’s game. Through parts of six big league seasons, he’s averaging 103 strikeouts per 162 games. This is quite amazing for a guy also averaging 29 home runs during that same span.

Even if a superstar like Lindor is second to the Mets’ greatest needs to pitching, adding him to the ball club sends a message to the fans and the rest of the league.

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Offseason Mets trade rumors in recent years have been nothing more than teases—for the most part. This one could be different. The Indians are serious about moving Lindor. The Mets need to be even more sincere about putting together the right package to land him and ensure he stays in New York.