The Los Angeles Dodgers promise to be active this winter after being ousted by the Washington Nationals in the NLDS.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, that will include pursuing Cleveland Indians four-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor.
“Sources say the Dodgers are expected to pursue a trade for Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor as one possible addition to an offense that managed only a .303 on-base percentage during this month’s National League Division Series loss to the Nationals,” Morosi noted on Monday.
While it’s not yet known whether the Indians would be willing to trade their best player, they have not gained any traction in negotiations with Lindor. He’s slated to become a free agent after the 2021 season and will earn roughly $16 million during arbitration this winter.
Cleveland is obviously in a situation where it wants to cut payroll. Moving Lindor would both do that and bring back a bounty in return.
Lindor, 25, finished in the top 10 in MVP voting each of the previous three seasons before the 2019 campaign. He’s averaging 34 homers and 85 RBI while posting an .856 OPS over the past three seasons.
If the Dodgers were to make a move for Lindor it would likely end Corey Seager’s tenure in Southern California.