MLB Trade News: New York Mets Acquire All-Star Shortstop Who May Be New Face Of Franchise

The Cleveland Indians are in a financial bind, and dealing away a versatile-but-expensive player like Francisco Lindor should provide them with some relief.

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican was dealt in a blockbuster trade to the New York Mets in a pact that also included Carlos Carrasco. In exchange, Cleveland will get Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez plus a pair of minor leaguers, ESPN reported.

The Mets are seen as the big winners in this trade, with Lindor seen as one of the best all-around players in the MLB today. In the six years, he spent with the Indians, “Paquito” has made four All-Star teams and hit 138 home runs and stole 99 bases, TMZ reported.

Cleveland would have loved to keep the Puerto Rican, but the contract of Lindor was something they could not afford. The case is entirely different for the Mets with hedge fund owner Steve Cohen who vowed to increase spending after purchasing the franchise last November from the Wilpon and Katz families.

But the trade was not all about acquiring the player who most sees as a future Hall of Famer. Carrasco is one of the biggest comeback stories in the MLB after overcoming Leukemia.

The 33-year-old has become one of the AL's steadiest starters, owning an 88-73 career record with a 3.73 ERA.

"These are people we care about, not just players, and guys that loved the organization and have great memories here," Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said after the deal was sealed. "Trades like this are really tough. But it's the right thing to do."

The Mets may have gotten more than what they bargained for in Lindor. New York may have gotten themselves a new face of the franchise. Andrew Miller, who played a couple of seasons with Lindor, can vouch for that.

“Frankie is a superstar and he works his tail off. Combine that with his talent and there’s no reason he can’t be great anywhere,” Miller stated.

The Mets are expecting more than good plays for Lindor heading into the next MLB season. General manager Jared Porter feels that “Mr. Smile” can rub off and raise the energy level of his new teammates.

“When I called him today [for an introduction], it sounded like he was in the batting cage hitting, in the background. He’s a very hard worker. He’s a great teammate. He’s someone who leads by example and can be a part of the core of our club,” Porter said in a report from the New York Post.