The Cleveland Indians are expected to take their time in any Francisco Lindor trade. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Francisco Lindor trade 'unlikely to happen quickly'

By Blake Harper | Last updated 11/9/20

Cleveland's top priority for the offseason appears to be trading shortstop Francisco Lindor, but MLB Network's Jon Morosi says the team is in no rush to ship off Lindor.

Morosi was told the trade "is unlikely to happen quickly" and while the Mets seem to be the team Cleveland is most likely interested in trading with, "it will take time for [the] new front office to set priorities."

I expect Francisco Lindor to be dealt this offseason, as @BNightengale has reported, but I was told today a trade is unlikely to happen quickly. The #Indians would love for the #Mets to be heavily involved, but it will take time for new front office to set priorities. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 8, 2020

The Mets were recently bought by Steve Cohen, who quickly made it clear he plans to clean house, with GM Brody Van Wagenen and most of his staff being shown the door. Once Cohen is able to establish his front office, they could be first in line to acquire Lindor.

Lindor will likely generate healthy interest from other teams. The 26-year-old has hit at least 30 home runs in his last three full seasons. This year, he did struggle a bit, hitting only .258 with just eight homers over the 60-game season. Many assumed Lindor would be traded when Cleveland dealt pitcher Mike Clevinger to the Padres in exchange for several players, including shortstop Gabriel Arias.

It is expected that Lindor will earn around $21 million in salary arbitration next season, and then he can become a free agent. Lindor will likely end up with a massive long-term contract from a team, so any club that highly covets the shortstop, such as the Mets, may be extra motivated to trade for him with the hopes of then signing him to a lengthy deal.

More must-reads: