High-Ranking MLB Executive Reportedly Believes Both Francisco Lindor and Mookie Betts Will Be Traded
By Mark Powell
Trade speculation is abound for two of the best young stars in all of baseball.
Both Mookie Betts and Francisco Lindor are on the trade block for their respective franchises, that much is clear. Betts is entering the final year of his contract, while Lindor will hit arbitration for the small-market Indians starting in 2020. For two teams trying to cut payroll long-term, the future is cloudy as it pertains to their greatest stars.
Per one high-ranking MLB executive, it seems pretty likely that both Betts and Lindor will be on the move this Winter.
High-ranking exec predicts that both Betts and Lindor will be traded this winter. Thinks it makes sense for both Red Sox and Indians to turn page, capitalize on value that is more likely to depreciate in the months ahead as Betts, Lindor edge toward free agency.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 20, 2019
An obvious obstacle for any potential Betts trade is a low return. Surely, one year of an MVP-caliber player in worth quite a lot, but teams are unlikely to unload the prospect capital Boston seeks unless Betts commits to a long-term deal with their franchise. Considering how much the former MVP could command on the open market, that seems unlikely.
You know when you rebuild? When you don't have Mookie Betts (27), Xander Bogaerts (27), Rafael Devers (23) and, hell, count Andrew Benintendi (25) on your roster. You're built. Go find some cheap pitching and we're good. https://t.co/178KxSGFcd
— Chad Finn (@GlobeChadFinn) December 17, 2019
The blockade of a Lindor trade lies in the loaded return Cleveland expects. The shortstop has three years of control remaining and is already one of the faces of MLB. This means the Indians believe they're owed top prospects and more, which is a lot in a market which values potential oh so dearly.
Gear up, folks. With more of the top free agents getting plucked off the market, it looks like trade season could be entering full swing, and Betts and Lindor will certainly be the headliners.