5 trades the New York Mets new owners can make to get fans excited

2. Trade For Francisco Lindor

Speaking of the Mets seeking an upgrade at shortstop, I give you Lindor. The Cleveland Indians seem certain to shop him this offseason, rather than inevitably lose him for only a compensatory draft pick in free agency after next season. Entering his final year of arbitration eligibility, Spotrac projects the four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glover to make $19.5 million in 2021.

That looming free agency for Lindor may turn away some teams, without a plan to pony up on a new deal for him. The similarities between Lindor and Mookie Betts a year ago are clear, including age (Lindor will turn 27 soon, Betts just turned 28), and Lindor plays a more premium position where he stands out a little more from his peers.

The Mets will have competition on the trade market for Lindor, with a lot of teams able to make a case for a run at him. A rising farm system seems ready to provide assets to deal from.