The baseball trade rumor mill keeps churning about where Cleveland Indians Four-Time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor will end up playing in 2021.
Though the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cincinnati Reds seem to be viable landing spots for Lindor, the team that may be most willing to make a deal is the New York Mets.
New York Mets Owner Steve Cohen, who bought the franchise for a whopping sum of 2.4 BILLION dollars back in October, is eager to make a big splash and signing a big name like Lindor would do exactly that.
Who would the Cleveland Indians (who just announced they would be changing their name) need to get in return for their most prized asset?
Let’s take a look at the two players Cleveland must get from the Mets in order for the trade to make the most sense.
1. Shortstop Amed Rosario
It doesn’t take a brain surgeon IQ to realize the gaping hole that would be left at shortstop by trading away Lindor.
Rosario has shown lots of promise for the Mets during the last four seasons.
He possesses good speed (24 stolen bases in 2018) and some pop in his bat (15 home runs in 2019).
Rosario’s skills at shortstop would go a long way towards minimizing the Tribe’s fans pain of losing Lindor
What if the Mets don’t want to part ways with Rosario?
Plan B could include dealing their other young shortstop, Andres Gimenez, who had a decent first season with the Mets at the young age of 21.
2. Outfielder / First Baseman Dom Smith
It’s no secret as to where Cleveland needs the most offensive help.
The Indians ranked next to last in batting average by outfielders (.194).
Dom Smith had a breakout year in 2020 even though the season was extremely shortened due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic.
Smith smashed 10 homers while posting a robust .316 batting average last season, and he would provide the Tribe with some desperately needed offensive firepower from its outfield.
Another reason Smith would be a huge addition for Cleveland is because of his versatility to play both corner outfield slots, as well as first base.
The Tribe needs help at first base as well since they’ve said goodbye to long time fan favorite Carlos Santana, who signed with the Kansas City Royals last week.
Adding Smith would help fill the void at first base.
What if the Met’s don’t want to deal Dom Smith?
A viable Plan B option could be outfielder Brandon Nimmo.
Nimmo would provide a solid left-handed bat to the Tribe’s lineup.
Nimmo has decent power, as he hit 17 home runs in 2018.
Will Cleveland trade Francisco Lindor before the start of the 2021 MLB Season?
We may very well find out in the next few weeks so stay tuned.
Lindor’s landing spot could very well be the New York Mets.
The Mets have lots of top young prospects that would fill some of Cleveland’s direst of needs.
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