The Mets and Blue Jays could be the most likely destinations in exchange for the Puerto Rican shortstop from Cleveland, Francisco Lindor, according to a report by MLB Network correspondent and The Athletic columnist Ken Rosenthal.
Rosenthal compares the Tribe situation to that of the Red Sox against Mookie Betts last winter. The Mets, Blue Jays, Giants and Twins seem willing to invest, but Rosenthal notes that this time it will be difficult to find a partner like the Patirrojos had with the Dodgers for the Betts deal.
This winter’s free market offers good shortstops – Marcus Semien, Didi Gregorius and Andrelton Simmons – and potential free agents for 2021-22 include Lindor and fellow countrymen Javier Báez and Carlos Correa, along with Corey Seager and Trevor Story. .
Of the four squads Rosenthal pointed to, the Mets and Blue Jays look like the best destinations for Lindor as at the moment his focus in free agency is to bolster other positions.
The Mets could have an advantage in completing a transaction as they would convince Lindor on several aspects to sign a long-term extension. But the Blue Jays would also be strong candidates – although they already have Bo Bichette as the starting shortstop – if they fail to add the free agents they target.
MLB.com