Indians GM Changes Course and Seems to Squash Francisco Lindor Trade Rumors

Francisco Lindor will be up for a mega contract when he hits free agency, and it's long been believed that the Indians would not be able to retain the star shortstop.

The Tribe have been rumored to be looking to deal the 26-year-old, but the latest comments from GM Mike Chernoff seem to suggest that may not be the case.

#Indians GM Mike Chernoff on Francisco Lindor: "He is a great player. He is an incredible teammate. He is the face of our franchise. We want him to be here his whole career. I can't tell you what's going to happen. We all have the same desire. My sense is he has the same desire."
— Keith Britton (@KeithBritton86) December 4, 2019

"He is the face of our franchise," said Chernoff. "We want him here his whole career."

Despite the plethora of rumors linking Lindor with an exit from The Land, it looks like Chernoff will be fighting to keep the four-time All-Star.

Mookie. Lindor. Nolan. Hader. Cain. Story. KB. Whit. Kluber. Duffy. Ray. Joc. With the tender deadline past and free agency starting to move, the so-far stagnant trade market is still percolating. Here are the names being bandied and what you need to know: https://t.co/T7hiKHPznc
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 3, 2019

Meanwhile, the Indians' front office has received criticism for its handling of the situation, not just from fans, but also from former Cleveland slugger Albert Belle.

With the MLB's Winter Meetings coming this week, it's time to see whether Chernoff will stand by his words.

Lindor is coming off a season in which he launched 32 homers with 74 RBI and slashed .284/.335/.518. If he is available for trade, there's hardly a team that wouldn't be interested in him.