Tampa Bay Rays: Potential Trade Pieces for Francisco Lindor

The Tampa Bay Rays have been named as a potential trade candidate for the Cleveland Indians in the seemingly inevitable trade of superstar Francisco Lindor. Today, we look at some of the players it might take to get him.

The Tampa Bay Rays were one of the teams frequently mentioned this past winter when Francisco Lindor‘s name came up. The trade rumors surrounding Indians’ superstar Francisco Lindor were beginning to swirl earlier this offseason. The funnel cloud was sucked back up into the sky as it appeared the Indians had no plans of moving the two-time Gold Glove winner. So, we put it to rest.

Then, recent news broke that Lindor was refusing extension talks.

Now a trade appears to be a priority for the tribe. He presents a ton of value to any suitors with two seasons left on his contract before he hits free agency.

Buster Olney of ESPN recently pinpointed the Tampa Bay Rays as a potential trade partner on his podcast “Baseball Tonight.”

He goes on to discuss how the Rays are a contender, coming off of a 96-win season. They’ve got a deep roster, deep bullpen, and how a shortened season could give the Rays an even better shot at a World Series in 2020.

Bringing in a player the caliber of Francisco Lindor is a great counter-punch to the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole addition.

Lindor has been a monster since the moment he set foot on a major-league field in 2015. Over his five years in the majors, he has posted a 119 OPS+, made four All-Star games, won two Silver Sluggers, and a Platinum Glove. All of this before the age of 26.

These are all valid points. Lindor for two years on this team could equate to the franchise’s first world championship.

Let’s take a look at a few of the players it might take to acquire the superstar.

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.