There are rumblings about Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor being available in a trade, but the Atlanta Braves should not be interested.
As the Atlanta Braves look to build a contender for the 2020 season, there are some who think they should try and trade for Francisco Lindor.
Obviously, having Lindor in the lineup — especially if they can also re-sign Josh Donaldson — would give the Braves the best infield in baseball and a potent lineup.
This is certainly a move that David O’Brian of the Athletic has been pushing on Twitter lately.
Yes, that'd be the ideal scenario we discussed on podcast -- re-sign J.D. (or Moustakas), trade for Lindor, and you still have enough to sign Bumgarner and sign or trade for a catcher to platoon with Flowers. https://t.co/HFPoW7I72R
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) November 13, 2019
And even here on FanSided, the Braves were mentioned as a possible landing spot for Lindor if the Indians do indeed trade him.
One can certainly see the appeal as Lindor has established himself as one of the best shortstops in all of baseball.
He’ll turn 26 this week and has been to four straight All-Star games, won two Gold Glove awards, two Silver Slugger awards, and has finished top 10 in the MVP voting twice.
This past season he hit .284 with 32 home runs, 101 runs scored, 74 RBI, and had 22 stolen bases to go along with a .335 OBP and .854 OPS.
He’s now hit at least 32 home runs in three straight seasons, and only once has he struck out more than 100 times in a season.
And unlike Dansby Swanson, he’s been very reliable as he’s played in at least 143 games the past four seasons.
As I’m writing this I’m thinking about changing my argument. But let me tell you why the Braves shouldn’t go after Lindor.