METS MAKE A MOVE FOR LINDOR, CARRASCO
The New York Mets acquired shortstop Francisco Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco from the Cleveland Indians for infielders Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario, pitcher Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene.
What does it give the New York Mets
The Mets were rumored to be interested in making a big splash this off-season, now that they have a new owner in Steve Cohen. This would definitely qualify as a big splash, as Lindor is one of the top shortstops in baseball and Carrasco is a quality starting pitcher. Both have been to the World Series (2016), so New York will be banking on their production as well as their leadership in 2021. The Mets add a significant amount of salary to the payroll with this trade, but clearly Cohen is behind the move.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
For a long time now, Cleveland was rumored to be prepared to dump salary and it finally happened here. Lindor and Carrasco will definitely be missed but Cleveland is looking to retool its roster (and cut costs, obviously). Both Gimenez and Rosario played shortstop with the Mets, so one of them is likely to take over for Lindor in Cleveland. The other could wind up playing second base, which is currently a vacant position in Cleveland. Wolf and Greene are long-range prospects with little or no pro reps.
Fantasy impact
Lindor should continue to have strong fantasy value as long as he can remain healthy. Ditto Carrasco, whose numbers may even improve with the Mets. Both Gimenez and Rosario could be fantasy sleepers in 2021, though neither is a sure bet at this point. For now, neither Wolf nor Greene need to be drafted (even in the deepest keeper leagues), but keep an eye on their progress this season.
