The biggest superstar rumors surrounding the Dodgers continue to be those regarding Cleveland Indians star shortstop Francisco Lindor. The current front office of Los Angeles is one that has been reluctant to deal top flight prospects in the past and it would be a major surprise to see this trend change.
In the deal for Yu Darvish in 2017, the Dodgers dealt Willie Calhoun who they viewed as a future designated hitter — something that would not have fit in the National League with the Dodgers. In 2018, the biggest name sent to Baltimore for Manny Machado was Yusniel Diaz, a prospect who has seen his stock decline. Even back in the Rich Hill trade, Frankie Montas, now a serviceable starter, was the biggest piece. The Dodgers have not given up on top prospects like Corey Seager, Julio Urias, and recently-crowned MVP Cody Bellinger for upgrades. Say what you will, but the Dodgers have operated in smart fashion under Andrew Friedman.
In a recent MLB Network segment, Indians beat reporter Mandy Bell discussed Los Angeles’s current pursuits and where they stand.
Lindor Unlikely to be Dealt
It appears that this is not just a Dodgers issue in terms of being unwilling to meet the demand. The Indians are simply reluctant to deal Francisco Lindor this offseason and rightfully so. The Indians could contend next season if they wanted to and Lindor is a huge part of that equation for them. When Bell was asked about where she saw the odds of him getting dealt at, she responded with:
“I still have it below 50 percent.”
Makes sense.
Related: Lindor, Clecinger, and Betts Trades That Could Work for LA
Mike Clevinger Talks Might Depend on Gavin Lux
Mike Clevinger appears to even more unlikely to be dealt than Francisco Lindor:
“I know that those rumors started to happen with the Dodgers. Maybe Lindor and Clevinger get grouped together and that will be your way to pull [Gavin] Lux out of their system because they are hesitant to give him up, but it just does not seem like someone they would part ways with especially in a deal for both Lindor and Clevinger.”
Bell also continued on and stated that she would be under the assumption that Clevinger is more likely to be extended by the Indians as opposed to being dealt.
As it stands, if any blockbuster moves are coming for Los Angeles, they’re not happening until the new year.
NEXT: If No Lux in Lindor Trade, Dustin May Could Be Next in Line
