Report: MLB exec believes Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor will be traded this winter

A wild MLB offseason that has already seen Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon land with new teams could get even crazier.

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, a high-ranking MLB executive believes that both Boston Red Sox star Mookie Betts and Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor will be traded this winter.

High-ranking exec predicts that both Betts and Lindor will be traded this winter. Thinks it makes sense for both Red Sox and Indians to turn page, capitalize on value that is more likely to depreciate in the months ahead as Betts, Lindor edge toward free agency.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 20, 2019

The executive cites both teams seeking to turn the page and take advantage of the huge trade market for the star players as part of the reasoning for why the stars will likely be moved.

Of course, he isn’t the only one that seems to believe a deal could happen. Red Sox manager Alex Cora hinted at the winter meetings that Betts will be traded.

While trading Betts would have sounded absurd a year ago, the 2018 AL MVP is projected to make nearly $28 million in his final season of arbitration and the Red Sox want to cut payroll this winter.

Lindor is under contract for two more seasons and playing near an MVP-caliber level with outstanding defense at shortstop and three consecutive seasons with 30-plus home runs, 15-plus stolen bases and a .840-plus OPS. Yet, the Indians are shedding payroll quickly and there was no greater proof than their decision to trade away Corey Kluber.

Betts and Lindor are certain to attract interest from teams all across baseball. If both stars are traded, this will be the most exciting and eventful MLB offseason in decades.