This offseason is starting to look like one where the New York Mets roster will be heavily overhauled by team president David Stearns. And it is understandable why, after an embarrassing collapse in September. Furthermore, a case could be made that this core of talent got a fair chance to win it all and reached the playoffs just twice over the last six years.
The first two major changes were when All-Stars Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz left in free agency. Now, rumors continue to swirl that Francisco Lindor could be next, following reports of a 2025 clash with Jeff McNeil, and a poor relationship with the new face of the franchise, Juan Soto.
If the organization did take the bold step of trading the five-time All-Star, let’s look at five potential deals that NY Mets fans are sure to hate and love.
Francisco Lindor Trade to New York Yankees
Crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees could certainly use an upgrade at shortstop with former star prospect Anthony Volpe continuing to disappoint. Furthermore, Lindor would be a great leadoff option for a strong lineup featuring MVP Aaron Judge.
In the deal, the Mets get stud outfield prospect Spencer Jones, 2024 AL ROTY Luis Gil, and reliever Luke Weaver. It is a trade package Stearns would like because it features high upside youngsters at low costs. Plus, it slices a ton of money off the books that could be used toward someone like Kyle Tucker.
- Mets Get: Spencer Jones, Luis Gil, Luke Weaver
- Yankees Get: Francisco Lindor
Francisco Lindor Trade to San Diego Padres
There have already been a lot of recent rumors about the Mets and San Diego Padres making a big trade. While a recent report claims it would not include Francisco Lindor or Fernando Tatis Jr., why not go with a super blockbuster that sends the SS, Jeff McNeil, Kodai Senga, and star prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat to the Pads?
In return, New York would get Tatis, elite reliever Mason Miller, starter Nick Pivetta, and take Xander Bogaerts’ hefty contract to replace Lindor and be another plus addition to the locker room.
- Mets Get: Fernando Tatis, Xander Bogaerts, Mason Miller, Nick Pivetta
- Padres Get: Francisco Lindor, Jeff McNeil, Kodai Senga, Jett Williams, Brandon Sproat
Francisco Lindor Trade to Detroit Tigers
There have also been a ton of rumors about the Mets being a top contender for superstar Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. Instead of giving up much of their elite prospects, perhaps Detroit would be open to a deal that includes Lindor. An All-Star player who would add thump to the lineup and keep them in playoff contention next season. Plus, New York could give up three top prospects, including Jonah Tong.
Even if they can’t re-sign Skubal next offseason, they at least move a ton of money off the books in the short and long term that can be redirected elsewhere.
- Mets Get: Tarik Skubal
- Tigers Get: Francisco Lindor, Jonah Tong, Brandon Sproat, Jett Williams
Francisco Lindor Trade to Miami Marlins
There have been various reports about the Miami Marlins being open to moving Sandy Alcantara or Edward Cabrera. Maybe the Mets can package Lindor in a deal to get one of them — likely Cabrera — and get a pair of Miami’s top prospects. Specifically, Robby Snelling and stud outfielder Kemp Alderman, the third and tenth-ranked players in their system (via MLB.com).
Cabrera improves their rotation, and the two prospects could be options in 2025 or be packaged in another blockbuster deal.
- Mets Get: Edward Cabrera, Robby Snelling, Kemp Alderman
- Marlins Get: Francisco Lindor
Francisco Lindor Trade to Los Angeles Dodgers
It might hurt the souls of Mets and MLB fans, but the Los Angeles Dodgers could also be an option. LA is always open to stockpiling superstar talent, and getting Lindor would allow them to move Mookie Betts back to the outfield.
In a hypothetical trade, New York could get Freddie Freeman to replace Pete Alonso at first, gifted young centerfielder Andy Pages, and one-time All-Star Tyler Glasnow. The move would address various needs the Mets have this season, and get them impact players on shorter deals. Some of the Dodgers’ elite prospects, or Roki Sasaki, could be options in a trade as well.
- Mets Get: Freddie Freeman, Andy Pages, Tyler Glasnow
- Yankees Get: Francisco Lindor
