The Mets rocked the baseball world and delighted their fan base on Thursday with the acquisition of All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and Indian starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco in exchange for fielders Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario and minor leagues Isaiah Greene and Josh Wolf. The shocking transaction raised many questions. You’ve come to the right place for answers.
Q: We all know that Lindor can be a free agent after this season. What is the probability that the Mets will sign him in the long run before playing in a regular season game for them?
A: At this point, I would reduce it by less than 50%. Lindor will probably want to see how she enjoys life as a Met before committing to it, and only a seismic offer from the Mets would change that.
Q: What would be a seismic supply?
A: Something that exceeds the package of 10 years, 300 million dollars, which Manny Macahdo (right) landed with Padres in February 2019. Machado landed that package entering his 26-year season. Lindor will enter the 28-year-old season in 2022. As a side note, for reasons of luxury taxes, expect Lindor and the Mets to settle their salary for 2021 (the stadium estimate is 20 million dollars) before working on a potentially big deal.
Q: Well, the Mets just gave up two major league shorts for Lindor, so it would be a fiasco if they didn’t keep it, right?
A: Not necessarily. Remember that next year’s free agent harvest features a group of short bands, led by Javier Baez of the Cubs, Carlos Correa of the Astros and Corey Seager of the Dodgers, and Lindor. Moreover, the young shortstop Ronny Mauricio remains one of the top minor leagues of the Mets. Mets president Sandy Alderson (far left) said at a news conference on Thursday that the team could regain a compensatory selection next winter if Lindor went elsewhere, although this is not a guarantee given that a new The basic agreement must be negotiated next winter.
Q: Lindor seems to be one of the best players in the game. Are there potential weaknesses that we should look at?
A: Here’s an interesting point: Lindor has struggled a lot with runners in the scoring position for the past two years. He posted a .202 / .295 / .312 line with RISP in 2019 and .167 / .288 / .300 last season.
Q: Yeesh. How does this trade impact the composition of the Mets field?
A: Lindor’s arrival obviously eliminates any competition for the short place and puts more JD Davis (right) to succeed at third base, while Jeff McNeil patrols second base. Luis Guillorme can now get more representatives on the field without people blocking him.
Q: What about Carrasco’s arrival? Does that mean the Mets have finished shopping to start pitching?
A: In the high-end aisle, yes. The Mets now have a starting rotation with ace Jacob deGrom followed by Marcus Stroman, Carrasco, David Peterson and Steven Matz, as well as Seth Lugo, who could either keep the gig he recovered in the middle of last season or return to bullpen.
Q: It’s ironic that Alderson traded Greene and Wolf, two of Brodie Van Wagenen’s top draft picks, in a deal that was appreciated worldwide about two years after Van Wagnenen traded Jarred Kelenic and Justin. Dunn, two of Alderson’s top draft picks (in Seattle) for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz), in a deal that was universally affected?
A: I’m not sure if this qualifies as the technical definition of “irony”, but it’s okay.