10 MLB moves that still need to happen this winter

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 20: Atlanta Braves Third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) takes the field during the MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco on September 20, 2019 at SunTrust Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David John Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 13: Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) rounds third base as he scores a run during the first inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians on Septebmer 13, 2019, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Cleveland Indians: Trade Francisco Lindor

The time for the Indians to win a World Series has come and gone and they’ve missed their chance. Yes, the Tribe could still contend for an AL Central title or Wild Card spot in 2020 without making any more moves this winter, but they’re simply not better than the New York Yankees or Houston Astros. The small-market Indians fought valiantly to push themselves over the top after coming up just short in the 2016 World Series, but it’s time to start thinking ahead to the future.

There’s a willful suspension of disbelief that has to flip on when considering what MLB owners can “afford.” Each owner is a billionaire who runs an operation that generates millions of dollars in profits every year. The value of each franchise also increases each year, padding said billionaire’s net worth. Still, they all cry poor for the most part when it comes time to open the checkbook for once-in-a-generation players hitting free agency.

Francisco Lindor is going to be next in line for a $30-plus million annual salary when he is a free agent after the 2021 season and the Indians have already decided they won’t be able to afford that. The time to trade him is now. Cleveland cannot afford to make the mistake the Orioles did with their All-Star Manny Machado. Baltimore got an extremely underwhelming return for Machado that might not yield a single All-Star player.

The Indians already traded ace Corey Kluber this winter and need to keep the ball rolling on their mini-rebuild. Their starting rotation remains loaded and a Lindor trade may net them a group of young, controllable position players to back up the starting pitchers. The Indians can actually still contend without Lindor, but they need to make that move as soon as possible.

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