I think they do but probably for less. The Mets have the leverage seeing as how they're essentially the only big time suitor (you think the Jays are going to that price?)
Dead 2 Me
My problem with this is that they had an established superstar SS that they had no intention of extending. As bad as the Betts trade was for the Sox, at least they offered him $300M. Did the Indians ever make an offer to him beyond that $100M offer a few years ago? Yes, they got two nice young cost-controlled infielders. But it's hard to envision either of them coming close to replacing what Lindor's done for the Indians. It would be one thing if Lindor was in his 30s, but we're talking about a 27-year-old. They're also getting 3 years of Carrasco, who's been a very solid pitcher.
I shouldn't say it's a bad return. It's not. They're getting two pretty interesting prospects as well. I just don't think the return justifies trading a superstar and it comes across as a huge "fuck you" to the Indians fanbase, much akin to the Mookie Betts situation. There's also just not much talent at the major league level right now and it's hard to envision them finishing above .500, let alone seriously contending for a playoff spot.
Of course, much of this trade does hinge on whether the Mets extend Lindor. I think most teams that trade for someone a year away from free agency usually intend on extending such a player though.
FWIW, here's a more detailed article on the trade with ZiPS projections.
Mets Acquire Lindor, Carrasco in Blockbuster Trade
Francisco Lindor is one of the brightest stars in baseball. For at least this year, he’ll display his jaw-dropping defense and megawatt smile in Queens.blogs.fangraphs.com
Pandemic screwed Cleveland pretty hard
Depends on how the kids develop. The 2 major leaguers are fair ballplayers, but not the caliber of Lindor and Carrasco.
You never know with prospects. These guys are pretty highly thought of by scouts, though. We'll see how they progress.
I guess just looking at the deal there isn’t one person if I were an Indians fan that I would have optimism for the future. When you trade a big star like that, you at least get 1 prospect who, whether he flames out or not, has a very high ceiling.
You think we see games that count within six months?
In this deal Gimenez is the main piece. Not superstar level but he's only 22 and had a really solid season. You would hope to see him build on that and improve over the next 5 years.
I get that. Maybe it is just me, I just don’t feel that is worth Lindor and seems like the Indians either didn’t really shop him or Lindor has already told his agent that he is going to sign with one team next offseason. Similar to how the Mariners didn’t get worth for Griffey but Griffey flat out said he would only go to the Reds or Braves and the Braves said pass.
