Though they came up short of signing Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon at the Winter Meetings, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain motivated in acquiring an elite, impact player this offseason.
The club has been connected to a wide range of players, but perhaps no more than Francisco Lindor. While a trade for the All-Star shortstop has yet to come to fruition, a potential resolution could be on the horizon.
One week after shipping Corey Kluber to the Texas Rangers, the Cleveland Indians have reportedly asked teams to submit their final offers for Lindor.
The 26-year-old would check off many boxes for the Dodgers, and it’s why a handful of American League managers believe he is the ideal acquisition, as relayed by David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports on SportsNet LA:
“Talking to a couple different American League managers, they told me Francisco Lindor is everything the Dodgers need. He’s so dynamic at the top of the order, a switch-hitter, power from both sides, can run. He’s a guy that definitely would be in the category of elite. He would just be such a difference-maker from what I’m being told. It’s one thing for us to say how great Lindor would be, but when other managers are raving about the impact he would have in the Dodgers lineup, that says a lot.”
Since making his MLB debut in 2015, Lindor has established himself as one of the game’s premier talents. He is coming off a near five-win season in which he batted .284/.335/.518 with 40 doubles, two triples, 32 home runs, 74 RBI and 22 stolen bases across 598 plate appearances (143 games).
The Indians have pinpointed Gavin Lux as their top target in trade talks, but the Dodgers have shown no indications of parting ways with him. L.A. has instead dangled Corey Seager, offering him to Cleveland, as well as the Boston Red Sox for Mookie Betts.
In addition to their interest in Lindor, the Dodgers are thought to have expanded negotiations to include Mike Clevinger as well. He would fill a void in their rotation that’s been created by Rich Hill and Hyun-Jin Ryu both becoming free agents this winter.
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