Tampa Bay Rays: Potential Trade Pieces for Francisco Lindor

Francisco Lindor Trade – Willy Adames

The first player we have to look to the man who currently resides at shortstop in St. Pete. Willy Adames, 24 and has two seasons under his belt. He won’t be a free agent until 2025. Adames was one of nine shortstops in all of the major leagues to hit 20 or more homers in the 2019 season.

Adames finished first in the American League among shortstops with 12 defensive runs saved last season. Lindor was right there with him as he finished tied for second with 11.

In 2019, Adames was slightly below average with a 95 OPS+ whereas Lindor posted a 118 OPS+.

Lindor is certainly an upgrade at shortstop over the next two seasons, with no disrespect to Adames. But how much of an upgrade will he be? How much better will Adames get with the bat? Will his increased production be worth the additional prospects it will cost the Rays?

Francisco Lindor Trade – Brendan McKay

One of the top left-handed pitching prospects in all of baseball came up one inning shy of exceeding his rookie eligibility last season. Brendan McKay won’t be a free agent until 2026 and is currently Baseball America’s 14th ranked prospect.

The Rays already moved another top LHP prospect earlier this offseason when they traded Mattew Liberatore to the Cardinals for Randy Arozarena and Jose Martinez. Trading McKay away would leave Shane McClanahan as the next best left-handed pitching prospect in the system, according to Fangraphs.

McKay has a career minor-league ERA of 1.88 in 172.0 innings pitched with 226 strikeouts.