Mega deal: Indians trade star Lindor, Carrasco to Mets

CLEVELAND (AP) — Francisco Lindor's moving to a new city and a new team that is willing to meet his salary demands.

The four-time All-Star shortstop was traded Thursday along with pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets, who have a new owner willing to spend at baseball's highest levels.

The cash-strapped Indians sent Lindor and Carrasco to the Mets for infielders Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario, right-hander Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene.

Hedge fund owner Steven Cohen bought the Mets on Nov. 6 from the Wilpon and Katz families and has pledged to increase spending. One of his next expenditures figure to be on a long-term contract with Lindor.

The 27-year-old is one of baseball's best all-around players, capable of winning games with his bat, glove or legs. He's a career .285 hitter and averaged 29 homers, 86 RBIs and 21 steals in his six major league seasons — all in Cleveland.

He has also been the face of the Indians' franchise, with an infectious smile and joy for playing that has made him one of Cleveland's most popular athletes.

Carrasco is one of the game's best comeback stories, overcoming leukemia to become one of the AL's steadiest starters. The 33-year-old has a 88-73 career record with a 3.73 ERA.

With an abundance of young pitchers, including Cy Young winner Shane Bieber, the Indians were in position to move a player of Carrasco's caliber.

He can be replaced. Finding someone to fill Lindor's shoes will be much tougher.

Once the Indians’ pandemic-shortened 2020 season ended with a loss to the New York Yankees in the wild-card round, it became a matter of when, and not if, Lindor would be traded.

Cleveland had run out of options. Lindor has turned down numerous long-term contract offers from the Indians, betting on himself and knowing he...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Indians-trade-star-SS-Lindor-Carrasco-to-Mets-15853280.php