In the world of Major League Baseball, trades can shape the destiny of teams and players alike. One such trade that has garnered significant attention is the one involving Francisco Lindor, who was almost acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021. This article delves into the details of the trade, why it didn't happen, and its implications for both teams.
1. The Trade That Could Have Been
The Toronto Blue Jays were reportedly the runner-up in the Francisco Lindor sweepstakes, according to MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince. The Blue Jays had a package centered on long-term prospects, which they hoped would be enough to secure Lindor's services. However, the New York Mets ultimately won out, trading Amed Rosario, Andres Gimenez, outfielder Isaiah Greene, and pitcher Josh Wolf to the Cleveland Guardians for Lindor and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco.
Former New York Mets GM Zack Scott revealed that the Mets had to trade for Lindor because the Blue Jays were zeroing in on him. If not the Mets, Lindor would have been a member of the Toronto Blue Jays and immediately extended, at least according to Scott. The Blue Jays were a team on the rise back in 2021, having won 91 games but failing to make the playoffs due to not securing a sixth seed. At shortstop for them was Bo Bichette, who led the league with 191 hits that season.
Despite Bichette's impressive performance, the Blue Jays' inability to secure Lindor has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts. Lindor's addition would have significantly bolstered the Blue Jays' lineup, potentially leading to a more successful postseason run. However, the trade ultimately went to the Mets, who retained Lindor with a 10-year contract extension worth $341 million.
2. The Impact on Both Teams
The trade has had lasting impacts on both the Mets and Guardians. For the Mets, Lindor has been a cornerstone player, contributing significantly on both offense and defense. His stats with the Mets include a .270 batting average in 2022, 26 home runs, and 107 RBIs. Although he is currently struggling with a .203 batting average as of May 23, 2024, Lindor remains an exciting player capable of contributing to the team's success.
Andres Gimenez, one of the key players in the trade for Lindor, has become a prominent figure in baseball. He made his Mets debut in July 2020 and was an All-Star in 2022. Gimenez signed a 7-year contract with the Guardians worth $106.5 million through 2029. His growth and value indicate a successful acquisition by the Mets.
For the Guardians, the trade was seen as a shock to many fans. Lindor's departure left a void that was difficult to fill. However, the team's decision to trade him allowed them to acquire valuable players like Gimenez and Rosario. Rosario was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023 and then signed as a free agent by the Tampa Bay Rays for one year in 2024 at $1.5 million.
3. Lessons Learned
The Francisco Lindor trade serves as a lesson in the importance of acting on opportunities when they arise. Trading for a player and then extending them is a common strategy in baseball, as seen with the Mets' decision to retain Lindor. This approach can provide long-term stability and success for a team.
In conclusion, the Blue Jays' missed opportunity to acquire Francisco Lindor in 2021 highlights the complexities and challenges of player trades in Major League Baseball. While the trade ultimately benefited both the Mets and Guardians, it underscores the strategic decisions teams must make to achieve their goals.
