2021 SEASON

Rumor is the Dodgers are in on Hendricks and Hand so they might not be done, which is a great thing.

Francisco Lindor trade winners and losers: Mets pull off heist, which is bad news for Cleveland and NL East

A trade this big affects more than just the two teams involved

By Mike Axisa

23 hrs ago

5 min read

In one fell swoop Thursday afternoon, the New York Mets made their long-awaited offseason blockbuster and Cleveland parted with franchise icon Francisco Lindor. New York acquired Lindor in a six-player trade. The two teams have announced the deal. It is officially official.

Here are the full trade details:

Mets acquire: SS Francisco Lindor, RHP Carlos Carrasco

Cleveland acquired: SS Andres Gimenez, SS Amed Rosario, OF Isaiah Greene, RHP Josh Wolf

Prior to the trade MLB.com ranked Wolf and Greene the Nos. 9 and 10 prospects in New York's system, respectively. Gimenez was a top prospect at this time last year. He impressed defensively last season and usurped Rosario at shortstop. The Mets made the trade and managed to keep top prospects Ronny Mauricio and Francisco Alvarez. That's some nifty maneuvering.

Needless to say, a trade of this magnitude has impact that stretches beyond the two teams and six players involved. Here are the big winners and losers from Thursday's blockbuster.

Winner: The Mets

Obviously. The Mets just added a superstar shortstop and an above-average starter, and gave up what amounts to spare parts. Gimenez is promising, no doubt, but he's not Lindor, and when you're getting Lindor, you give up a player like Gimenez. The Mets subtracted minimally from their MLB roster while adding immensely, and it did not cost them any top prospects. If you fancy yourself a contender, this is a trade you make eight days a week and twice on Sundays. The Mets are huge, huge winners. No question about it.

Loser: Cleveland

The city and the fans, not the franchise itself (the team made this trade of their own accord and deserve all the backlash they receive). Lindor was the team's best and most beloved player since Jim Thome, and now he's gone, with his tenure having peaked with a World Series Game 7 loss. Don't overlook Carrasco either. He was a popular player who did a ton in the community. He'll be missed as well. Cleveland's payroll is down to roughly $40 million -- $40 million! -- which is just embarrassing for a Major League Baseball franchise in 2021, pandemic or no pandemic. I can't imagine what this all feels like for the fan base. It has to be a gut punch. I'm sorry, folks.

Winner: Francisco Lindor

No more trade rumors. Those aren't hanging over his head anymore. Lindor is now free to go play baseball with a fun and exciting team, and maybe go win a World Series. As an added bonus, he can expect the Mets and their fabulously wealthy new owner to approach him about a contract extension at some point. I don't think the Mets make this trade without planning to make a serous effort to retain Lindor long-term. He's a great and ultra-likeable player in his prime. He's the type of player a big-market team absolutely should sign. Lindor may still decide to test free agency next offseason. That's his right. At least now he can rest comfortably knowing the Mets are going to put $300 million or so on the table at some point. The big offer is much closer to a reality now than it was in Cleveland.

Hope we at least get a premier closer. Finally winning a title isn't proof you don't need one. I'm sure we all had some sleepless nights with Jansen out there. 

The Vulture lurks! Looks like they’re still showing interest in Brad Hand, but I’m not sure he’s much of an improvement and doesn’t seem to be the stud he once was with the Mads.

Closers like Gagné, Saito, Rivera, Hoffman, etc. seem to be rarer and rarer these days. Those guys could go out there night after night after night and get the job done.

Now, if a dude closes two nights in a row, there’s little chance you’re going to see him again that series. Maybe it’s the fatigue and being asked for more than those three ninth inning outs.

But I think it has more to do with hitters getting better and knowing tendencies of closers.

Let’s face it - with all of the technology there is and they have access to these days (unlike when the above pitched), they have more to study and analyze and it makes them smarter at the plate than the old days.

Of course with the Vulture, it simply boils down to a nearly 10 mph drop in velocity with very little movement anymore and a sinker that no longer sinks other than when it’s falling into the outfield bleachers.

GO DODGERS!!!

There were some who wanted us to trade Seagar for him cos Seagar was too injury prone.  That makes no sense, if we trade him for that reason, why would the Injuns want him?  Anyhow, he proved what a great player he is last year and as the MVP of the WS.  What's so all fire wonderful about Lindor anyhow?  Sure, he's pretty good, but we don't need him

Woodchuck signs with the Gnats. My signed 2020 World Series card just dropped another twenty cents in value and is now worth a full nickel.

GO DODGERS!!!

I’ll never forget - I was there! As disappointing as it was to see them lose both games and watch the Sox celebrate on our field, I’m still glad we made the trip out.

Some people go a lifetime without ever experiencing a World Series game in person. Even when the local Redlegs were dominating the NL West and won back to back in the mid-70’s, we never went to any of the games.

I’m happy to say we made it to two and am hopeful that there are more in our not too distant future. If we’re ever allowed to go to games again and fly four or five hours without a ridiculous mask over our face.

GO DODGERS!!!