MLB Rumors: Would Indians Trade Francisco Lindor? Deal Is Possible, But More Likely In Offseason

The 2019 MLB trade deadline is fewer than two months away, meaning teams could soon decide that they will be sellers this summer. The Cleveland Indians find themselves in that group after a disappointing start to the season.

Cleveland is a game under .500 and 11.5 games behind the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central. Most of the Indians’ best players have either suffered injuries or vastly underperformed.

Cleveland ranks in the bottom half of the majors when it comes to spending. The team actively tried to shed payroll this offseason even as they hoped to compete for a championship. Now that the Indians appear to be an unlikely playoff team, it’s increasingly probable that franchise will be open to making a trade that would net them young players or highly touted prospects.

Trevor Bauer was available for the right price in the winter, and his name will be in trade rumors until July 31. Cleveland’s poor record could force them to at least consider offers for a player that seemed untouchable not too long ago.

Francisco Lindor faces an uncertain future with the Indians. It’s been well-documented that Cleveland ownership is unlikely to give the shortstop the kind of contract extension he’s seeking.

Lindor is under team control for two more years after this season. He’s just 25 years old with three straight All-Star appearances. Would the Indians actually trade him mid-season?

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi said on “MLB Central” Monday afternoon that Lindor probably won’t be traded during this season, but it can’t be ruled out.

“I was told by a source this morning who’s had some contact with the Indians, probably not on Lindor for this year,” Morosi said.

“I would say there is a chance. I think it’s a pretty small chance. A better chance he’s moved in the offseason.”

Lindor would have just as much value in the winter as he does this season. He’s hitting .293/.363/.484 with eight home runs in 40 games. The shortstop has finished in the top-nine in AL MVP voting in three straight seasons.

Morosi named Bauer, reliever Brad Hand and first baseman Carlos Santana as players that could be moved this summer. Bauer is set to become a free agent after the 2020 season. Santana and Hand have team options for 2021.

Morosi noted that the past week has made the Indians more likely to become sellers.

Cleveland just lost three out of four games to the Chicago White Sox, who have tied the Indians in the AL Central. Minnesota won three straight games against the Tampa Bay Rays, increasing their lead atop the division and maintaining the best record in baseball.