Most New York Mets fans love shortstop Francisco Lindor. However, after the team’s stunning collapse in 2025, there are enough reasons to consider moving on from him for the betterment of the franchise long-term.
After coming to Queens via a blockbuster trade in 2021, things weren’t always easy for Lindor in New York. He struggled in his first season with the team and had many concerned he would be just another disastrous big-money addition for the franchise. However, he returned to his previous form the following year and knocked in over 100 RBIs for the first time in his impressive career.
Over the last four years, Lindor has become one of the team’s most popular players, and his MVP-level season in 2024 established a real legacy for him with the club and fanbase. However, that was seemingly washed away in his first season as the team’s captain as he helped oversee one of the greatest collapses not just in Mets history, but MLB history.
It was a moment that should open the door to any player — except Juan Soto — being expendable this offseason, including Francisco Lindor. While the idea of moving the five-time All-Star would seem like a bad one to fans, let’s explore why it should be considered by the front office.
Why the New York Mets should consider a Francisco Lindor
There is a reckoning coming for the Mets in future seasons, and that is Lindor’s contract. It was understandable why owner Steve Cohen’s first big move was to lock Lindor into a 10-year pact worth $341 million. However, we all know he is not going to be any better than he was in 2024, and there are still six more years left on the deal. The sad truth of sports is that he will not be an All-Star-level player in the last few seasons, and he’s only been an All-Star once in New York during his prime.
Fans always want to move players with big contracts after bad seasons. But that’s not realistic at all. Why would another team take your problem unless you are willing to take theirs? But Lindor is coming off an All-Star season following a year where he was in the running for MVP. His value has never been higher. Meaning some teams would want him because he probably has three high-level years still left in him. Plus, his contract doesn’t have an absurd annual number considering how high contracts have gotten in recent seasons.
- Francisco Lindor contract: 10 years, $341 million
The Mets also have young high-upside prospects in Luisangel Acuna, Ronny Mauricio, and Jett Williams that could replace him at short for far less money. And dropping payroll to rely on youngsters is something Cohen has said publicly he eventually wants to do.
Some might also fear that moving Lindor means losing a locker room leader. But his captaincy may be overstated. Their collapse this year was a huge red flag about his ability to lead a team out of dark times. Furthermore, during the season, Soto suggested Starling Marte was the real captain of the team. So what are we really losing in the area?
3 potential returns in a Francisco Lindor trade
So if the New York Mets decided to trade Francisco Lindor, what could they get in a deal? There are many options the team can go, be it adding another star but at a cheaper rate, or getting high-level prospects and using that extra money to address offseason needs, like an ace pitcher.
One option would be trading one Cleveland legend for another and shipping Lindor, talented pitching prospect Brandon Sproat, and one more top 25 prospect to the Guardians for Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan. Ramirez is a year older, but he just went to the All-Star game for a fifth straight year. He is also only signed for three more seasons and for nearly $10 million less annually. Plus, both he and Kwan are impact hitters who bring something New York badly needs: better defense. Both are 2025 Gold Glove Finalists.
A team that would definitely be interested in Lindor, especially if the Mets paid for some of his contract, is the Seattle Mariners. They could feel he is the missing piece to a World Series team. In the deal, the Mets should get talented young pitcher Logan Gilbert, and their top prospect — and the ninth best in MLB — shortstop Colt Emerson. It gives New York a potential future star replacement and another good young starter for a rotation that needs help.
One last idea would be to send Lindor and Kodai Senga to the Baltimore Orioles. It gives the O’s the proven big bat they lacked in 2024 and a pitcher that has ace-level talent, when healthy. In the deal, the Mets would get highly-touted prospect and Lindor replacement Gunnar Henderson, catcher/1B option Adley Rutschman, and top-five prospect, outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. It makes the Mets younger, but with good players right now, and a lot leaner payroll.
