The Cleveland Indians intend to trade superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor by opening day, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
The plan is said to be motivated by financial reasons, per Nightengale, with Lindor projected to earn approximately $21 million in arbitration in the final year of his contract.
Lindor would likely fetch Cleveland a sizeable return, as the 26-year-old has been an all-star four times over his career. He has a career .833 OPS and can hit for both average and power as a switch-hitter. He slashed .258/.335/.415 with eight home runs and six steals in the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.
Defensively, the Puerto Rico native has won two Gold Gloves and would instantly stabilize any infield.
The Indians have been no stranger to shedding salary in recent years, trading the likes of Trevor Bauer, Mike Clevinger and Corey Kluber. Despite the cost-saving moves, Cleveland was still able to qualify for the post-season in 2020, finishing with a record of 35-25.
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