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Mets Rumors: Examining the chances of acquiring a star this winter

By Adrian Cervantes

Francisco Lindor of the Cleveland Indians laughs while on deck against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on August 20, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Francisco Lindor of the Cleveland Indians laughs while on deck against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on August 20, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 30: Shortstop Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians throws out DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees at first during the sixth inning of Game Two of the American League Wild Card Series at Progressive Field on September 30, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Yankees defeated the Indians 10-9. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Shortstop Francisco Lindor

Arguably the biggest name on the trade block this winter that has had Mets rumors surrounding him is Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor. The superstar shortstop is entering the final year of his contract and with the Indians front office expected to move on from Lindor, the Mets have long been thought of as the perfect fit in terms of potential fit.

Both Sandy Alderson and Jared Porter have been adamant in the press about not wanting to trade away prospects for players this offseason. However, with two viable shortstops currently on the Major League roster in Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez, the Mets contain a valuable trade asset that many other teams can’t currently offer the Indians front office. One of those two players would assuredly go back to Cleveland to be their everyday shortstop.

One of the major hang-ups about this trade is the Mets front office would have to be confident in the prospects of re-signing Lindor upon the conclusion of the 2021 season. The team will have the funds to do so, it’s just a matter of Lindor wanting to be a Met for potentially the rest of his career.

Another factor regarding any deal includes Cleveland’s front office’s asking price. I don’t believe the Indians can get a king’s ransom of a haul for Lindor in a volatile market this offseason, as well with there being no assurance if the season will start on time yet playing a factor. The front office in Cleveland also can’t afford to let Lindor walk in free agency with no value coming back in return, and the Mets could have an opportunity to make a reasonable deal without giving up some of their top assets in the minors.

I expect the Mets to be involved in the Lindor bidding along with the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees (if they do not re-sign DJ Lemahieu) this winter. As of right now, I give the team a 40% chance of landing Lindor this offseason which is pretty high to this point with all things considered. Expect the Francisco Lindor to the Mets rumors to continue throughout the offseason.

The percentage that Francisco Lindor is a New York Met on Opening Day: 40%

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