Jul 5, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) runs the bases against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Mets are ramping up to sell at Major League Baseball’s Aug. 3 trade deadline, and while almost everything and everyone is available, the curious case of Francisco Lindor has been a significant uncertainty regarding how David Stearns moves forward.
SNY’s Chelsea Janes reported earlier this week that only Juan Soto, Carson Benge, AJ Ewing, Nolan McLean, and Christian Scott are off limits, suggesting that Lindor is indeed up for grabs.
If there is one thing that Stearns has taught the baseball world over the last year, it is that sentimentality and standing will get a player nowhere, as evidenced by his shrewd dealings with Pete Alonso and Bradon Nimmo. While his candidates to replace both long-time fixtures bombed, Lindor dealt with a nightmare first half, playing just 40 games due to a calf injury. He’s batting .210 with a .654 OPS and suspect defense, which only ramped up trade chatter while the Mets’ season spiraled into the abyss.
Couple that with the fact that he is owed $160 million over the next five years, holds the power to veto any trade, and has a reported desire to stay in Queens, and there is a reason why multiple reports in recent days have tabbed a potential deal as “very unlikely.”
Whether a faction of Mets fans likes it or not, Lindor should still be a significant part of the club’s future plans, even if a decline has arrived. The 32-year-old has been a top-10 finisher in the NL MVP voting in each of the last four seasons, and it is more likely that this start — fueled by that injury — was just an anomaly than the norm for the foreseeable future. Shortstops of his caliber are not a dime a dozen, and dealing him would indicate a complete rebuild rather than the retooling Stearns hopes to pull off, which would ensure they can compete in 2027 — if there is baseball in 2027.
For more on Francisco Lindor and the Mets, visit AMNY.com
