Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor is among the superstars whose names have been tossed around in trade circles this winter. However, Indians president Chris Antonetti said Wednesday he is “more confident” that Lindor will be the starting shortstop on Opening Day.
Via Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
Evidently club officials were not satisfied by the offers they received from the Dodgers, Reds and other teams. On Wednesday, Indians president Chris Antonetti told reporters, “I still have every expectation that Francisco will be our shortstop on Opening Day. I’m more confident today in saying that, as more of the offseason has passed.”
The Indians would be more willing to trade Lindor if they believed a division title was unattainable, but such is not the case. The Twins over-performed in winning 101 games last season, and their additions (Rich Hill, Homer Bailey, Sergio Romo, Tyler Clippard, Alex Avila) have been uninspired. The White Sox, by contrast, have loaded up, but remain largely young and unproven.
Lindor ranks seventh in fWAR — first among all shortstops — since making his debut in 2015, and last season posted his second consecutive 30-plus homer campaign to go along with a Gold Glove.
The 26-year-old is projected to make $16.7 million this year, and he has one more season of arbitration before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Although the Indians are currently projected to have a CBT payroll just slightly in excess of $100 million, ownership appears reluctant to consider offering Lindor a lucrative, multi-year extension. Though, for his part, Lindor seems (rightfully) reluctant to take a discount.
Nevertheless, the Indians look like a team that will make one more run at things in 2020. If things go awry early, Francisco Lindor could be a popular trade candidate come July.
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