This Indians-Reds Trade Involving Francisco Lindor Could Actually Work

The Francisco Lindor sweepstakes seems to be picking up a bit of steam of late. With the star shortstop recently being linked to the Los Angeles Dodgers, it seems another team has entered the fray in hopes of acquiring his services.

The Cincinnati Reds have reportedly expressed interest in completing another blockbuster trade with their in-state counterparts. Last year, the Reds landed Trevor Bauer as part of a three-team deal with the Indians and Padres. Fast forward a few months and Cincy is hoping to iron out a deal for Lindor.

The Reds are the latest team to engage with the Indians about a potential Francisco Lindor trade, per source. It’s unclear if there’s any traction, but Reds have been aggressive on trade market before (Bauer, Puig) and have attractive trade chips (Senzel, India among them).
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 19, 2019

The Reds have some talented young players on the roster, as well as a relatively deep prospect base. This could allow the Indians to recoup the young assets they so desperately covet ahead of their (likely) impending rebuild.

Any deal involving these two teams would likely center around former top prospect Nick Senzel. The 24-year-old featured in 104 games last season, clubbing 12 homers and 42 RBI after his promotion to the bigs.

Regarding Lindor, Indians are said to like Nick Senzel very much. Haven’t actually heard of a lot of talk between the teams yet but doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Interesting note from @Feinsand
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 19, 2019

On top of Senzel, the Reds would likely have to part ways with their second-best pitching prospect, lefty Nick Lodolo, who ranks as the No. 56 prospect in the MLB. Toss in outfielder Jameson Hannah (No. 10 in Cincy's farm) and you may just have yourself a deal. For two years of one of the best shortstops in the league, yes, the price will be steep.

With Lindor set to hit free agency after the 2021 season, it remains unclear if he'd re-sign with the Reds long term. But Cincinnati has tooled up their rotation and is now looking to improve the lineup. Who better to accomplish that than Lindor?