Toronto Blue Jays: Trading for Francisco Lindor remains complicated
The Toronto Blue Jays have become a preferred trade destination for Francisco Lindor but the price makes it a challenge for numerous reasons.
There have been many players linked to the Toronto Blue Jays this off-season and while George Springer continues to be the focus as the top free-agent target, Francisco Lindor’s name has resurfaced once again.
Back in November, it became known that the Cleveland Indians wanted to move Lindor before the season started. The Blue Jays were linked to the star shortstop for several reasons considering Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins’ history with Lindor and the team has the assets Cleveland would be looking for.
Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that Toronto is the ideal destination for Lindor especially if they can get Lourdes Gurriel Jr. as a part of the deal. It’s not surprising to see Gurriel as part of the deal considering he is on a great contract and was a Gold Glove finalist in left field.
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If Cleveland is looking for more significant pieces along with Gurriel, the Blue Jays have to really consider the possibility that Lindor walks after only a season. As Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi explains, the 27-year-old will be looking for a massive payday since he is a part of the union’s influential eight-member executive subcommittee.
Toronto has made it known that they are willing to spend money in free agency considering they have been talking to the agency that represents Springer. The Blue Jays would need some sort of guarantee that they can get Lindor signed to a long-term deal which always presents a complication because those deals take time.
So is it worth it for the Blue Jays to give up big assets if they aren’t able to guarantee Lindor staying? That’s the complicated part because even though Lindor would be a significant addition, the teams that pay a significant price for a player want some sort of gurantee.
In this case, the Blue Jays should definitely wait to see what happens in free agency before they consider the trade because what they commit long term on their payroll will give them a better idea of what they can give Lindor is they trade for him.
Related Story. Springer remains top target. light
Should the Blue Jays trade for Lindor? What would you give up to get him? Let us know in the comments below.