MLB Trade Deadline: 4 players who stayed put, but will move in offseason

Francisco Lindor

Francisco Lindor was less of a surprise when we learned he wasn’t traded. Lindor has been here before. He’s heard trade rumors for the better part of a year now, and he’s never been dealt. It’s obvious the Cleveland Indians are waiting for someone to hit the right price since they are still a team close to contention, despite being sellers this season.

Lindor is still a very good player in this league. He’s the traditional “five-tool” player. Lindor can hit the ball with finesse and power. He’s still stealing bases while playing well in the middle infield. The Indians have a very good player on their hands, but the two sides cannot come to a contract extension. The two sides are headed to a very uncomfortable arbitration negotiation this offseason, and it could lead to Lindor leaving in free agency in 2021.

The Indians have been rumored to look for a deal before all this plays out. Lindor is still just 26 years old, so there are still a good 5-7 years left in his prime. A team trading for Lindor isn’t looking to go for it right now; they’ll want to win now and in the long-term. Lindor is going to get a huge contract from someone, so if a team has interest they could get him in the building to start negotiating now.

The Indians didn’t move him now, but it feels like it’s only a matter of time.