The MLB offseason is only a few weeks old, but it has been quite eventful for the New York Mets. Last week, fans’ worst nightmare came true when they lost All-Stars Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso in free agency. They also traded fellow fan favorite Brandon Nimmo last month. The major changes are reportedly part of a strategy to fix what was rumored to be a fractured locker room last season.
The next big one could be moving on from Francisco Lindor. He reportedly clashed with Jeff McNeil last year. Word is he isn’t on good terms with top star Juan Soto. Then this week brought a bizarre rumor from popular New York radio host Mike Francesca, who claimed Lindor also had issues with Nimmo over the outfielder’s support from President Donald Trump.
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If the goal is to change the culture, trading Francisco Lindor may be a necessity this offseason. If the NY Mets did choose to move him, we look at five potential landing spots, including the Los Angeles Dodgers.
New York Yankees
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Crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees could certainly use an upgrade at shortstop with former star prospect Anthony Volpe continuing to disappoint. Furthermore, Lindor would be a great leadoff option for a strong lineup featuring MVP Aaron Judge.
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If the Yanks are willing to give up stud prospect Spencer Jones and 2024 AL ROTY Luis Gil, that could be enough to get a deal done so the Mets can use the money owed to the shortstop elsewhere.
Arizona Diamondbacks
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The Arizona Diamondbacks are always a team lying in wait and are rarely expected to make big moves, but then they do. Few expected them to win the Corbin Burnes sweepstakes last year, and they are now reportedly interested in Alex Bregman.
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It would not be surprising if they became a contender for Lindor and placed fellow All-Star Ketel Marte in a deal. It could be seen by both teams as swapping a pair of All-Stars who both had locker room issues in 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers
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It might hurt the souls of Mets and MLB fans, but the Los Angeles Dodgers could also be an option. LA is always open to stockpiling superstar talent, and getting Lindor would allow them to move Mookie Betts back to the outfield. LA is stocked with tradable big league veterans — Andy Pages and Tylor Glasnow — and big-time prospects that would appeal to New York.
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Boston Red Sox
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The Boston Red Sox have been linked to a bunch of MLB rumors this offseason but have yet to make a major move. One of the most notable is a potential trade that would include Jarren Duran. A trade swapping the two and other players seems possible.
Despite his issues with some of his recent Mets teammates, Lindor is usually seen as a good addition to a locker room. His leadership skills and still All-Star level talent would be a big addition for the Sox.
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Cincinnati Reds
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Although they are never big spenders, the Cincinnati Reds have been aggressive this offseason as they look to improve the roster. It is why they were surprisingly in the chase for hometown product Kyle Schwarber this month. The proven veteran would be a major addition to this mostly young team. And sending Hunter Greene back in the deal would also be a big win for the Mets.
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