Francisco Lindor trade: Mets clear winners in blockbuster deal with Indians

The New York Mets made a blockbuster trade to acquire Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco

We have a New York Mets blockbuster deal! The Steve Cohen era got off to a hot start when the team resigned former All-Star Marcus Stroman and added several complementary pieces. However, the hammer officially dropped when news broke that the franchise traded for four-time All-Star and perennial MVP candidate Francisco Lindor.

The deal with Cleveland also saw the Mets add starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco, in exchange for infielders Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez. Cleveland also acquired top prospects Josh Wolf and Isaiah Greene in the transaction.

With a plethora of angles to consider, one topic, in particular, stands out from the rest: How did the Mets fare in this huge trade? Did they win the move? Did they give up too much? Let’s discuss!

New York Mets-Cleveland Indians trade: Francisco Lindor, Carlos Carrasco acquired by NYM

The names moving to Flushing are the absolute headliners of the trade, which should make Marcus Stroman happy. Lindor has a legitimate claim to the title of best shortstops in MLB. At just 27-years-old he is also a prime piece who could impact the Mets for years to come (assuming the two parties are able to agree on a contract).

He will immediately become the best bat in an already dangerous lineup. For his career, the former Cleveland superstar has averaged 29 home runs, 86 RBI, 21 steals, and 187 hits per season with a .285 batting average.

Additionally, Lindor, a two-time Gold Glove winner will add major value to the team with his glove. Stars like Jacob deGrom, Stroman, and a returning Noah Syndergaard will all benefit tremendously from an elite defender occupying the most important position on the field.

The team was also able to make a surprise addition in pitcher Carlos Carrasco (something we advocated for.) The veteran starter will prove to be a impactful part of the rotation moving forward. The 33-year-old has a career 88-73 record with sparkling 3.77 ERA and an average of 203 strikeouts per game.

Assuming Syndergaard returns to form at some point in the season, the Mets will boast a rotation of deGrom, Noah, Stroman, Carrasco, and David Peterson, with Steven Matz as a depth option. That could represent one of the deeper units in the league.

It is clear that New York landed to amazing impact players. However, was it worth the price?

New York Mets-Cleveland Indians trade: Andrew Gimenez, Armed Rosario, Josh Wolf, Isaiah Green sent to CLE

Losing second-year middle infielder Andres Gimenez is the most painful loss for Mets fans. The 21-year-old showed glimpses of stardom during his first taste of major-league action in 2020. His glove work and blazing speed made him one of New York’s most electrifying players. His .263 average as a rookie also showed he could develop into a well-rounded star.

The Mets also parted ways with former top prospect Amed Rosario. Despite his struggles in 2020, the young shortstop has all the tools to turn the corner and become a star. While one of these players was believed to be expendable, the trade included both was a bit of a surprise. What was once a deep position now becomes noticeably thin.

While less is known about Green and Wolf, the two young players represented a key piece of New York’s farm system. MLB.com ranked wolf as the franchise’s ninth best minor league asset, with Greene chiming in at tenth.

The Mets should be credited for landing Lindor without parting ways with any of their top five prospects. However, this loss will affect the future of the major league rotation and outfield.

New York Mets are easily the winners of the Francisco Lindor trade

On paper, this transaction is a clear victory for the New York Mets. The team acquired one of the best players in the sport, as well as a very solid rotation player, without giving playing a premium price.

The loss of Gimenez and Rosario does hurt. However, this cost is mitigated slightly due to the fact that the Mets’ added a better option to play their position. In almost all cases in professional sports, giving up two good players for one great one is a wise move.

The Mets also have the eventual call-up of top-rated prospect Ronny Mauricio, who is a natural shortstop. The lack of depth stings. But the team has improved while simultaneously alleviating a logjam at the position.

Wolf’s inclusion is also a tougher pill to swallow. He profiled as a very intriguing option that Cleveland was undoubtedly excited to land.

At the end of the day, the Mets’ return as well worth the cost. Stroman has already publicly praised Cohen and the team for the bold additions. The team must work out a long-term deal with their new superstar to cement their victory. But the fact that the deal was completed is a clear signal that plans to address the contract situation is in place.

The Mets are now top contenders for a postseason berth and a potential playoff run.

How do you feel that the Mets faired in the Lindor trade?