The Mets rocked the baseball world and thrilled their fanbase on Thursday with the acquisition of All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco from the Indians in exchange for infielders Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario and minor leaguers Isaiah Greene and Josh Wolf. The earth-shaking transaction raised many questions. For answers you have come to the right place.
Q: We all know Lindor can be a free agent after this season. How likely is it that the Mets will sign him for the long haul before he even plays for them in a regular season game?
A: At this point, I would stunt it less than 50 percent. Lindor will likely want to see how he enjoys life as a Met before committing to it, and only a seismic offer from the Mets would change that.
Q: What would a seismic bid be?
A: Something that surpasses the $ 300 million 10-year package that Manny Macahdo (right) landed with the Padres in February 2019. Machado brought that package into his 26-year season. Lindor will enter his 28-year season in 2022. As a side note, for luxury tax reasons, expect Lindor and the Mets to pay his 2021 salary (the estimate is $ 20 million) before working on a potentially big deal.
Question: Well, the Mets just gave up two shortstops in the Major League for Lindor, so this would be a fiasco if they didn’t hold him, wouldn’t it?
A: not necessarily. Remember, next year’s free-agent pick includes a banner group of shortstops, headed by the Cubs’ Javier Baez, the Astros’ Carlos Correa and the Dodgers’ Corey Seager, as well as Lindor. In addition, young shortstop Ronny Mauricio remains one of the Mets’ top minor leaguers. Mets president Sandy Alderson (far left) said at Thursday’s press conference that the team could recoup a compensatory draft choice next winter if Lindor moved elsewhere, although that’s no guarantee given that there will be a new base deal next winter. must be negotiated.
Question: Lindor seems to be one of the best players in the game. Are there any potential weaknesses we should be aware of?
A: Here’s an interesting data point: Lindor has struggled tremendously for the past two years hitting runners into scoring position. He posted a .202 / .295 / .312 slash with RISP in 2019 and .167 / .288 / .300 last season.
Question: Yeesh. How does this trade affect the composition of the Mets’ inner court?
A: The arrival of Lindor clearly eliminates any competition for the shortstop spot and puts a greater responsibility on JD Davis (right) to succeed at third base while Jeff McNeil patrols second base. Luis Guillorme can now get more infield reps without people blocking him.
Q: What about the arrival of Carrasco? Does this mean the Mets are done shopping to start pitching?
A: In the high-end aisle, yes. The Mets now have a starting rotation with ace Jacob deGrom followed by Marcus Stroman, Carrasco, David Peterson and Steven Matz, as well as Seth Lugo, who could either keep the performance he’d reclaimed mid-last season or switch back to the bullpen.
Q: Is it ironic that Alderson traded Greene and Wolf, two of Brodie Van Wagenen’s higher draw picks, in a trade that was widely acclaimed about two years after Van Wagnenen traded Jarred Kelenic and Justin Dunn, two of Alderson’s higher draw picks (to Seattle for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz), in a subject that was universally panned?
A: I’m not sure that qualifies as the technical definition of “irony,” but it’s something, okay.