MLB Rumors: Four Teams That Could Trade For Francisco Lindor Including The Dodgers

The Cleveland Indians have some thinking to do this offseason. They finished the 2019 season with 93 wins, bettering their total of 91 from a year prior, but lost out on the AL Central crown for the first time in three years.

They also have a star shortstop who they will have no hope of retaining when he hits free agency in two years’ time. That makes the Francisco Lindor question the biggest one of this winter for Cleveland; should they cash in now, wait until next summer or even wait until after next season?

The Indians could keep their powder dry and use him for a run at the Central title. That certainly isn’t out of the realm of possibility, especially if Corey Kluber can stay healthy in 2020.

They would likely get the best value for the player this winter but that means missing out on the final two seasons on his contract. It would also leave a fairly large hole not only in the infield but also in the middle of the lineup.

That last issue could, of course, be solved should the Tribe receive a major-league ready shortstop in return. The answer to those questions is inextricably linked with which potential trading partner gives the Cleveland Indians what they want. Here are the four likeliest suitors for Francisco Lindor this offseason.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Speaking of a major-league ready shortstop, the Dodgers have Corey Seager to use as trade bait. The 25-year-old is due $7.1 million next season before becoming eligible for arbitration. He is also coming off a 2019 season where he knocked 19 home runs, drove in 87 runs and batted a respectable .272.

Then again, there is the possibility that second baseman Gavin Lux, one of the organization’s top prospects, could also go the other way. With Jason Kipnis entering free agency, Cleveland may have a need there, especially if Christian Arroyo isn’t trusted with the everyday job.

Either player may tempt the Indians, although Cleveland may ask for Dustin May in return. Regardless of which prospects are on offer, the Dodgers look like the top contender for Francisco Lindor.

New York Yankees

The Yankees will focus on starting pitching this offseason. With Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg available, plus at least one hole in the rotation after C.C. Sabathia’s retirement, Brian Cashman will certainly start there this winter.

However, the Bombers are always active near the top of the market, be it the free agent market or trade market, and will surely at least make a call to Cleveland. They are also in need of a new shortstop after Didi Gregorius was not offered a qualifying offer, making him a free agent.

Unless Gregorius wants to take a pay cut to stay in the Bronx, the Yankees will have to replace him. GM Brian Cashman has been conservative with the organization’s prospects have kept most of them over the past few seasons, so the team does have trade bait to offer the Indians.

Major-league ready options include Miguel Andujar and Clint Frazier, although Cleveland may ask for the likes of Gleyber Torres or DJ LeMahieu.

Atlanta Braves

Just like with New York, Atlanta has needed more important than at short, but have the prospects to make a deal happen. The Braves aren’t quite as rich as the Yankees so they will not be as interested in Cole or Strasburg compared to the Bombers despite their need in the rotation.

Atlanta is also keen to keep Josh Donaldson at the club so he will focus on the free agent market before looking at trades. Once at least one of these areas gets addressed, possibly for Madison Bumgarner who they have made priority number one in free agency, look for the Braves to make a move.

They have a few enticing options for Cleveland, including a major-league ready shortstop in Dansby Swanson. Furthermore, the Braves also boast the league’s seventh-best farm system so they have plenty of options to offer the Indians.

Cincinnati Reds

Last but certainly not least, the Reds may find difficulty in landing Francisco Lindor despite the fact they may have a greater need than these other three teams. Cincinnati made heads spin at the trade deadline in 2019 by completing a three-team trade to land Trevor Bauer.

However, that left them without many pieces to complete another blockbuster trade. There is 25-year-old Aristides Aquino who slugged 19 home runs in 56 big league games in 2019 but plays corner outfield, where Cleveland already has both Franmil Reyes and Daniel Johnson.

There is the option of moving Reyes to designated hitter and Aquino to left but that may clash with Cleveland’s future plans. Other than that, the Reds’ top prospect is Jonathan India who plays third base. Trading for India would, therefore, hold back both he and Nolan Jones, a top prospect already in Cleveland.

While seeing Francisco Lindor in Cincinnati next season would be unexpected, it could still happen.