Yankees Rumors: Francisco Lindor Trade Buzz on Hold

The rumors linking the New York Yankees to Francisco Lindor are quieting down, but only for 2020.

Even when, 1-through-9, there may not be a better lineup in the game than the one that resides in the Bronx, Yankees rumors surrounding MVP candidates like Francisco Lindor joining the roster will always persist. That’s the nature of the beast.

Even with Gleyber Torres entering his first full season at shortstop and DJ LeMahieu holding down second like a machine, Lindor has long been connected to the NYY, considering Cleveland has made a grand show of choosing not to extend their main building block. He’s even best friends with Gio Urshela, the man whose starting job he’d theoretically be taking (if LeMahieu re-signs and moves to third, sending Torres to second).

But, according to Bob Nightengale, it’s time to slow all of our rolls, at least as far as 2020 goes. Why? It’s simple: why would Cleveland trade Francisco Lindor if all they have to do is compete for 50 games to make an expanded playoff field?

“This year, everybody has a chance to get to the World Series. If you have a 16-team (playoff), you’ve got to be terrible to not make the postseason. And anything can happen in the postseason,” Nightengale said during an appearance on Cleveland’s 92.3 The Fan’s “Baskin and Phelps” Show.

Of course, while expanded playoffs may loom for the foreseeable future, there’s unlikely to be a truncated campaign exactly like this ever again. If this year’s trade deadline is nonexistent, next season’s could be a normal feeding frenzy. Nightengale detailed the other half of the equation, too.

“I also believe that, with what’s happening now, and everybody’s losing money, I can’t see Lindor being traded until perhaps July of next year. Nobody is going to have the appetite to take on that kind of contract he’s going to make, and only have him for one season,” Nightengale added. “So if I’m the Indians, I keep him through at least July of next year, and see where they stand in the standings.”

As far-fetched as it would seem to be that New York would disrupt their infield picture and stock of prospect capital just to add someone to stand in front of Gleyber Torres, Lindor would be too spectacular a target to ignore. This is one of those instances where everyone seems to fear the Yankees.

Therefore, it’s time for an optimistic spin on a phrase that usually signifies failure: Yankee fans, wait ’til next year. Seriously, though.