MLB Rumors: Francisco Lindor Expected To Be Traded, Mets, Reds Are Possible Destinations

Francisco Lindor finds himself back in trade rumors, and this time he might actually be dealt. The Cleveland Indians are expected to move their shortstop before the start of the 2021 MLB season.

Cleveland plans on trading Lindor so it can eliminate his salary from the team’s Opening Day payroll, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports. Lindor could make up to $21 million in arbitration for next year before hitting free agency at the end of the season.

Lindor, who will be 27 years old during the 2021 season, is expected to be highly sought after. The most likely suitors include teams that can afford to pay him a massive contract extension.

Both teams from the Big Apple seemingly fit that description. The New York Yankees were the biggest spenders in the 2020 season, boasting MLB’s highest payroll. With billionaire owner Steve Cohen taking control of the New York Mets, the team could have the biggest wallet of anyone in baseball.

For the Yankees, DJ Lemahieu’s free agency could highly influence their decision. If the second baseman heads elsewhere this offseason, the team would have an open spot in the middle of the infield. There is some concern that the Yankees don't want to make their payroll any higher.

Mets shortstop Amed Rosario struggled in 2020, hitting .252/.272/.371 with four home runs in 46 games. The Mets pursued Lindor at last year’s winter meetings, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported, but they refused to meet the Indians’ asking price.

Cleveland, strapped for money, intend to trade All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor by opening day, several rival teams have been informed. Lindor earned $17.5 million last season and is projected to earn about $21 million in salary arbitration in his final year before free agency
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 5, 2020

Knowing what we already know about Yankees offseason, we can extrapolate that they would need to get really creative to add Lindor $. Would include losing LeMahieu and trading good young players.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) November 5, 2020

Lindor’s trade value has dropped from last season since he now only has one year left on his contract.

The Los Angeles Angels are considered to be a possible landing spot for Lindor. LA spent big last offseason, giving Anthony Rendon a seven-year, $245 million contract in free agency. It still didn’t result in a playoff appearance for the Angels, who have missed the postseason in six straight years.

The Cincinnati Reds had trade talks with Cleveland about Lindor last winter, according to MLB.com. Reds shortstop Freddy Glavis hit .220 in 47 games last season.

Before hitting a career-low .258 last season, Lindor made the All-Star team in four straight seasons.