New York Mets fans have been desperate for a winning team for years, and a new owner could make this dream possible for the 2021 season. In October 2020, Steve Cohen became the new owner of the Mets and the richest owner in Major League Baseball. Cohen has instantly brought a new culture to the team. Once Cohen officially became the owner, the fans wanted him to immediately make an impact move. He and the Mets front office did exactly that by acquiring 4x all-star shortstop Francisco Lindor from the Cleveland Indians. An impressive player, Lindor is also a 2x Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award winner.
Lindor is only 27 years old and is in the prime of his career. He is considered by many to be the best all-around shortstop in baseball. He should have an immediate impact for the Mets and will slot into either the leadoff spot or the middle of the batting order. As a hitter, Lindor has a .285 batting average with 138 home runs to go along with 411 RBIs through his six-year career. This trade is arguably the biggest move the Mets have made since the team acquired Mike Piazza in 1998.
Starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco was also included in the trade. Carrasco, who is nicknamed “Cookie,” has been a very solid middle-of-the-rotation starter throughout his career, posting a 3.77 ERA in 195 starts. He was the 2019 AL Comeback Player of the Year following a battle with leukemia. Carrasco, 33, fills a need in the Mets rotation and should be the #2 starter behind ace Jacob deGrom.
On the Indians side of the deal, they acquired two young middle infielders in Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario from the Mets, who both would have potentially started in New York.
This blockbuster trade suddenly puts the Mets in the discussion as the best team, not only in the national league east, but in the entire national league for this coming season. The Atlanta Braves, who have won the NL East the last three seasons, will be challenged by the Mets this season. Along with the Braves, some of the other top teams in the National League, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, will be looking out for the Mets.
While the acquisition of Francisco Lindor is exciting for Mets fans, he is entering a contract year. The Mets will certainly try to work on extending him, but if they can’t agree on a deal before the start of the season, he could walk in free agency in the upcoming offseason. It may be difficult to extend him due to other players on the roster, such as Michael Conforto and Noah Syndergaard who are also entering their contract years and looking for an extension. Either way, adding Lindor makes the Mets an exciting team to watch this upcoming 2021 season.
Photo Courtesy of Brace Hemmelgarn
