3 Trade Packages the Indians Could Get in Return for Francisco Lindor

The Cleveland Indians have a superstar player that wants to play for them in Francisco Lindor, but the franchise has taken almost every available step to distance themselves from him, refusing to talk extension and even floating his name in trade talks. With each passing day, Lindor looks less likely to stick around in Cleveland. If the Indians end up trading one of the smoothest defenders and most consistent hitters in all of baseball, these three teams would make for perfect landing spots.

3. Texas Rangers: Willie Calhoun, Josh Jung, Nick Solak, Hans Crouse

Texas Rangers outfielder Willie Calhoun / Norm Hall/Getty Images

Calhoun, the big prize in the Yu Darvish trade, finally broke out last year, launching 21 home runs in Texas' final year at Globe Life Park. Calhoun would likely satisfy Cleveland's insistence on proven MLB talent in a Lindor deal, as would the smooth-hitting, versatile Nick Solak and his .293 average. Texas would also need to part with some of the best prospects from an admittedly poor farm system, including former first-round pick and third baseman Josh Jung as well as hard-throwing right-hander Hans Crouse.

2. Atlanta Braves: Dansby Swanson, Drew Waters, Bryse Wilson, Ian Anderson

Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Swanson's .251 average and 17 home runs make him a solid shortstop, but "solid" isn't going to help the Braves leapfrog the Dodgers or Nationals in the NL. They need someone who can change the whole complexion of their lineup, and Lindor can do just that. With outfield prospect Christian Pache widely considered untouchable, the Indians should look to acquire outfielder Drew Waters as well as promising right handed pitching prospects Bryse Wilson and Ian Anderson. With Swanson taking over at short, that would be quite the haul for Cleveland.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers: Corey Seager, Josiah Gray, Keibert Ruiz

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager / Norm Hall/Getty Images

Seager was solid last season (.272 average, 19 home runs), but there are concerns about if he will ever be the type of player he was before his season-ending injury in 2018. Even if he does round back into form, Lindor is the vastly superior player, and Andrew Friedman should try to pair Lindor, Gavin Lux, and Justin Turner in the same infield. An elite pitching prospect like Josiah Gray and his 2.28 ERA as well as a top catcher like Keibert Ruiz should be enough to pull off a Lindor deal.