Indians Reportedly Prefer to Keep Francisco Lindor This Offseason
One of the biggest questions this MLB offseason has been pertaining to the future of Francisco Lindor.
With the 27-year-old's contract expiring after the 2021 season, Lindor's name has continuously popped up in trade rumors.
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
However, based off reports that came out on Monday, Lindor might actually be staying put in Cleveland as the Indians are not looking to trade their superstar at the moment.
Hear Indians prefer not to deal Francisco Lindor, to wait a year on a trade. Which really isn’t surprising. Interest has to be huge, however.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 9, 2019
Lindor batted .284 with a .854 OPS last season, good enough to make his fourth consecutive All-Star team while also earning another Gold Glove at shortstop. The Indians failed to make the postseason, but are making it clear that they still think the team can make noise with Lindor on the roster next year.
There still haven't been any talks about a long-term contract with Lindor though, so the possibility that he gets traded sometime during the 2020 season (or the offseason) is still on the table. Cleveland will demand a lot in return for their prized asset if a trade goes through.
This isn’t shocking at all. Teams inquiring about Lindor will have to overwhelm the Indians with their offer if they want to land him this offseason. https://t.co/nSwyl3z8OC
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) December 9, 2019
Lindor may stay put this winter, but anything could happen once Spring Training hits.