All-Star Lindor’s future with Indians clouded in uncertainty

CLEVELAND — Francisco Lindor’s future with the Indians was already unclear and uncertain.

On Saturday, it got even more confusing.

The four-time All-Star shortstop, who has been the subject of trade rumors because Cleveland will probably never be able to offer him a long-term contract close to what he may one day get as a free agent, made some contradictory comments while discussing his curious situation.

Lindor said he would love to stay in Cleveland, calling it “a home.” But the 26-year-old also said the Indians have not made him the “right thing” to this point, and he questioned whether the club would ever be positioned to come up with the kind of money needed to keep him.

And while discussing other massive, multiyear contracts around baseball, he mentioned wanting a $500 million contract — “anybody wants that,” he said — before saying finances incentives for 2020. He’s under aren’t a factor. Cleveland’s contractual control

“‘I’m not moneydriven. until after the 2021 season, when I’m championship-driven,” he could cash in for a payday of untold proportions. Lindor said during a Based on some recent deals given break at Tribefest, the to stars like Mike Trout, Bryce Indians’ annual winter warm-up Harper and Manny Machado, Lindor’s for fans. “That’s what I want. I one-half billion dollar dream want to win. Wherever I go, I want payout isn’t far-fetched. to win. I want to bring a championship In the meantime, the Indians to the city of Cleveland. have entertained offers for Lindor, This is what I want to do. That’s one of baseball’s best all-around my mission. I’m here today and I players who may just be entering want to win for the Indians. It has into his prime. Cleveland has declined nothing to do with the money. It chances to move Lindor to has nothing to do with the years. this point, but that could change It has nothing to do with who I at any time. like or who I don’t like. Lindor said he pays little attention

“It has to do with championships. to trade rumors and and he The front office tries to put understands the business side of a team together to win, not to save baseball. He also made a point of money. They’re supposed to try saying he’s got no power if the Indians to put a team together to win. I’m decide to deal him. here to try to win.” He does, however, control his For now. long-term future. So why doesn’t The Indians are in a tough spot he sign with Cleveland? with Lindor, who avoided salary “Because they haven’t offered arbitration last month by agreeing me the right thing,” he said, flashing to a $17.5 million contract with the smile that, along with a powerful bat and slick glove, has made him a fan favorite.

When Lindor was asked what it would take for the Indians to lock him up, he turned the question around on a reporter.

“You tell me,” he said. “What’s the number? What’s the number where you’d put me?”

Lindor was quoted the sevenyear, $245 million contract the Angles gave to World Series hero Anthony Rendon. Lindor asked how much that averaged to per season before launching into a long, perplexing response.

“A lot of money sounds pretty right now,” said Lindor, who has dyed his hair platinum. “Everything sounds pretty. A lot of years sound pretty, too. At the end of the day, it’s about what’s best for me, my family, and also the Indians’ organization. If they don’t think I can stay here because of the money situation, then I won’t be here.

“But I do want to be in Cleveland, I love the Indians, I love their fans. The city has grown on me a lot. When it is the right time to sign an extension? I don’t know when it’s the right time. God has a plan for me and my family and I truly believe in it. What’s going to happen is going to happen.”

The Indians and their fans have been in this situation before with Albert Belle, Jim Thome, CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee and other star players. And what usually happens is they get traded or sign elsewhere.

As she speedily walked across a floor inside Cleveland Convention Center to get into an autograph line, Brittany Hanus of Solon, Ohio, said she can’t bear the thought of Lindor in another uniform.

“It would be heartbreaking,” she said while wearing a red No. 12 Lindor jersey. “I really hope we can hold onto him, that would be great. I know we’re a small market team, and it’s hard to compete for players with the Yankees and the Astros and Dodgers, but I think having more fans come to the games would help. I’d just hate to see him go.”