By: Kevin Sledz

Dolan’s discounts ready to move their franchise player

Cleveland Indians owner Paul Dolan has begun his off-season payroll purge.  The organization has annually cried poor, citing losses in revenue even during the most successful of seasons.  Now add in the Covid-19 pandemic that resulted in a shortened season of 60 games with no fans.  On a Zoom call with the media in early October, Tribe president Chris Antonetti, stated that the team has lost tens of millions of dollars more than expected.  He also stated that it could take “multiple years” for the team to recover from these losses.

The payroll purge began on October 30th when the team announced that they had declined the 2021 options on a trio of players.  Carlos Santana ($17.5M), Brad Hand ($10M) and Domingo Santana ($2.5M) are now all unrestricted free agents.  After buyouts are paid to each player the moves will shave around $28 million from the 2021 payroll.  The team is also expected to let gold glove second baseman, Cesar Hernandez, walk in free agency.  They did exercise the 2021 option for catcher Roberto Perez ($5.5M).

Then came the news this past Thursday that the Indians have begun informing teams that they intend to trade all-star shortstop, Francisco Lindor, before the start of the 2021 season.  Given the Indians current situation and constant cries of money losses, this news should not come as a surprise to Tribe fans.  He is in the last season of contract with no chance of re-signing with the Indians.  It makes the most sense for the Indians to get a return for Lindor rather than letting him walk for nothing in free agency.  Lindor is projected to make around $21.5M after arbitration in 2021.  The 4-time all-star has won two silver slugger awards, two gold gloves and one platinum glove in 2016.  One of the best all-around players in the game is about to have a new home.  So what can the Indians expect to get in return?  That is the big question as his value is a bit lower now given that he is an expiring contract.   Let’s take a look at the three teams who are most likely to pursue a trade for Lindor.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Indians and Dodgers had trade discussions about Lindor last off-season as well as at the trade deadline this past August.  The Dodgers are one team that is never afraid to make a splash and add big salary to their payroll.  Current shortstop Cory Seager could make the move to third base opening up a spot for Lindor in an already stacked lineup.  Justin Turner was the Dodgers third baseman last season but is a free agent and is not expected to return.  The Indians have had a long standing interest in Dodgers top infield prospect Gavin Lux.  While there is no chance of LA parting with Lux for a potential rental player, they still have some interesting pieces to entice the Indians. Catcher Keibert Ruiz, first baseman Edwin Rios and second baseman Michael Busch are three prospect names to watch here.

New York Mets

The Mets are certainly a prime candidate to make a play for Lindor.  New owner Steve Cohen brings a ton of cash to the table and a desire to make an instant splash to catapult the Mets into contention in 2021.  The Mets have an enticing combination of young major league talent and prospects to offer the Indians.  Oufielders Dominic Davis & Brandon Nimmo are two names to watch from the New York major league roster.  Young shortstops Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez could also be of interest to the Indians. 

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays are another team looking to make a splash this off-season despite the losses from the pandemic.  Toronto is a team that has infused some elite young talent into the major league roster the past few seasons and are on the cusp of contention in 2021.  Not only do they have the pieces to accommodate the Indians in a Lindor deal, but they also have two former members of the Indians organization in their front office in team president Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins.  Both men have a solid relationship with both Indians president Chris Antonetti and general manager Mike Chernoff.  Lourdes Gurriel Jr. who can play both second base and outfield would certainly be of high interest to the Indians.  Prospects Jordan Groshans, Alejandro Kirk, Orelvis Martinez and Gabriel Moreno are prospect names to watch here.

Whether Indians fans like it or not the Indians payroll purge is well underway and will most likely not end with the trade of Lindor.  It’s a harsh reality but the reality of the Dolan ownership nonetheless.  One can only hope a sale of the Indians team comes sooner rather than later!