Mets: 3 Francisco Lindor replacements worth trading for at the deadline
By Mark Powell
The New York Mets placed Francisco Lindor on the injured list with an oblique issue. So, what should they do in the meantime?
Luis Rojas’ bunch are three games up in the NL East for the moment, but just lost one the best shortstops in the game in Lindor for at least 10 days, and probably more. Oblique injuries don’t magically heal in that timespan, and at times can linger for weeks.
Lindor’s been far from perfect this season, his first as a Met. After signing a 10-year, $341 million deal just before Opening Day, Lindor has failed to live up to expectations, with a slash line of .228/.326/.376. His 11 home runs are decent given he’s not known for being a power hitter, but the Mets expected for of a consistent approach from the plate and when they opted to make him one of the richest players in the sport. Instead, they’ve gotten replacement level.
As disappointing as Lindor has been, the Mets don’t really have a solid replacement on the roster. Luis Guillorme is listed as the backup shortstop. Jonathan Villar can also step in if called upon.
Could the Mets trade for a Francisco Lindor replacement?
Mets trade for Trevor Story
Story would be a great addition for the Mets, but it doesn’t necessarily make sense to mortgage the future for a few games of an All-Star caliber shortstop. As great as Story is, at some point Lindor will return and unless this is the Mets way of going all-in, it’s unlikely Story is their main target.
New York will, if anything, target a buy-low trade candidate who can fill in for Lindor for a little over a month if necessary, and then either move positions or head to the bench. Story is too good not to be in the everyday lineup, and he doesn’t play any other positions.
Story is worth the price for any team in need of a shortstop long-term. The Mets are not that team, though it sure would make for an entertaining final few months of the season in Queens.