New York Yankees Analysis: What would acquiring Francisco Lindor mean to the Yankees?

Acquiring Franciso Lindor to play shortstop for the New York Yankees may seem like a dream for Yankees fans. Still, it is possible, with the Cleveland Indians’ interest in getting him off the payroll before reaching free agency at the end of the 2021 season. For the Yankees, it would be a short term resolution to the problem at short. But the Yankees could renegotiate with him at the end of the season.

In one of the Yankees offseason moves, they would very much like to move Gleyer Torres to his natural position at second base. To do that, they would have to figure out what to do with DJ LeMahieu, who has held down the second base for the last two years, did it with excellent defense, and found someone to take on the shortstop job. An easy way to accomplish that would be to move DJ to third base, where he is experienced, and move the Gold Glove-like Gio Urshela to short, where he has played before.  However, that move is untried and untested.

Another method to accomplish is getting the best shortstop in baseball, Francisco Lindor, onto the Yankee payroll. The Cleveland Indians have let it be known that he is on the trading block. The Yankees to make that trade with would have to give up Miguel Andujar and one or two other prospects. They could also consider taking back Phillie’s free agent Didi Gregorius who the Yankees let go, causing the problem they are now faced with. Both Gregorius and Lindor had excellent years this season.

Not only is Lindor a better shortstop than Gregorius, but he adds the bonus of being a switch-hitter. The Yankees have been notably conservative in the trade market over the last couple of seasons; Lindor would be a game-changer for the New York Yankees. He would also add a giant smile in the dugout and an energy that is contagious.

There will be plenty of trade dialogue over the coming weeks as teams enter into a nuclear winter. But there will also be complications in completing the sort of deal the Indians front office has wanted. Lindor will draw the attention of the New York Mets, the Braves, the Angels, the Reds, and of course, the New York Yankees.

The bottom line will be what team is loose enough with the checkbook and their prospects to make the deal happen. You can be sure New York Yankee general manager, who has been criticized for not making any moves by the trade deadline, has Lindor in his cites. If anything happens with Lindor, it will probably be late in the offseason.