Cash-strapped Indians intend to trade all-star shortstop Lindor

The Cleveland Indians, severely strapped for money, are informing teams that they intend to trade all-star shortstop Francisco Lindor by opening day, according to two rival executives.

The executives spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of trade talks.

Cleveland shopped Lindor last winter, and were in serious negotiations with the Los Angeles Dodgers in a deal that involved shortstop Corey Seager, but decided to hang onto him when the Dodgers declined to increase their offer.

Now, Cleveland may have no choice, with Lindor expected to earn about $20 million (U.S.) in salary arbitration for the 2021 season, and he will be eligible for free agency after the season.

The New York Mets would likely be a strong suitor for Lindor, with billionaire Steve Cohen becoming the Mets’ new owner. Lindor not only is one of the top shortstops in the game, but one of baseball’s most charismatic players and would be a star attraction in New York.

The Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees also would likely get involved in trade talks.

Teams, of course, could also wait until the winter of 2021 when a deep class of shortstops is expected to hit the free-agent market. Lindor, Seager, Houston’s Carlos Correa, the Cubs’ Javier Baez and Colorado’s Trevor Story are all eligible for free agency.

Cleveland would prefer to keep Lindor but ownership is demanding the payroll be cut.