Francisco Lindor fully endorsed a Trevor Bauer reunion on Mets

The New York Mets sought advice from Francisco Lindor about whether they should make a push for Trevor Bauer.

MLB talk on Thursday was dedicated to top free-agent pitcher and reigning NL Cy Young award winner Trevor Bauer. Earlier in the day, the talk was that there were two known suitors left in the Bauer sweepstakes: the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. Later in the evening, there were conflicting reports about whether the Mets and Bauer had actually reached a deal. Even so, the belief is that Bauer will likely be joining the Mets.

But what pushed New York to make their strong push for Bauer? Hint: It wasn’t solely team owner Steve Cohen’s money.

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Mets consulted with newly acquired shortstop Francisco Lindor before making their pursuit for Bauer. Lindor gave the seal of approval for Bauer, calling him a “good teammate” when the two were members of the Cleveland Indians.

Bauer and Lindor were teammates for nearly five seasons

Lindor and Bauer were teammates in Cleveland for a little less than five seasons once Lindor made his professional debut in 2015. Their most successful year together came in 2016, when Cleveland won its first AL Central title since 2007 and made a run all the way to the World Series. They were won win away from winning their first Commissioner’s Trophy since 1948, but blew a 3-1 series lead to the Chicago Cubs. In total, the two won a total of three division titles and the aforementioned 2016 AL pennant.

Bauer was traded to the Cincinnati Reds midway through the 2019 campaign and had a stellar 2020 campaign. In 11 starts, Bauer recorded a 1.73 ERA, 0.795 WHIP and 100 strikeouts over 73.1 innings pitched. Additionally, Bauer had two complete game shutouts and allowed just 5.1 hits per nine innings, the best in the MLB. That helped him clinch the first NL Cy Young award of his career.

Meanwhile, the 2020 campaign would be Lindor’s last in Cleveland. Last month, he and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco were traded to the Mets in exchange for shortstops Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez and two prospects (pitcher Josh Wolf, outfielder Isaiah Greene).

While Cohen’s money certainly helped give the Mets the edge in their race for Bauer, credit should definitely be given to Lindor for giving the organization the proverbial thumbs up.