Mariners shouldn't waste time with Mets about bombshell Francisco Lindor rumor

In theory, a player who has four Silver Slugger Awards and is a career .280 hitter with a .819 OPS versus lefties is just what the Seattle Mariners need. Someone who could potentially help turn around the fortunes of a moribund lineup. However, the reality is very much different, and if Jerry Dipoto decided to pursue said player, you'd have to question if he'd taken leave of his senses.

The player in question is Francisco Lindor, with Chelsea Janes of SNY TV making the case that he could be in play for interested parties. The MLB insider does add the proviso that no indication has been given that the Mets are shopping Lindor, but states that no one has said he's off the table either. With the big-spending team having a disastrous season, many are expecting them to be a seller come the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

Janes adds that Lindor could gain some interest, as an MVP-caliber player combined with a weak free agent market for hitters looming. However, even if the five-time All-Star is in play, it's hard to envision the Mariners wanting to make a move for him. The reality is that even just two seasons removed from a career year and MVP-level campaign, he just isn't the same player.

The switch-hitter is currently projected to have the worst season of his 12 years in the majors, highlighted by hitting .210 with a .654 OPS and 82 OPS+. (He also has a .652 OPS against southpaws specifically.) He's been limited to 41 games due to a left calf strain and with him approaching 33, he isn't exactly getting any younger. Additionally, as per Gavin Groe of Athlon Sports, there's been quite a lot of discontent over his attitude in New York.

This type of potential acquistion goes against everything the Mariners believe in

Heck, we haven't even got to the biggest albatross of all yet -- Lindor's contract. After 2026 there will still be five more years to go on his current deal, at $34.1 million per season. As Janes noted, any team looking to take the two-time Gold Glover on would be expected to pay him that money, while also offering viable Major League talent in return.

The question is, could the Mariners do this? Perhaps, if it was a case of sending someone like Luis Castillo to New York, plus money to Seattle. However, this would mean the M's being on the receiving end of a salary dump, which is just not Dipoto's style.

At the end of the day, at least with Colt Emerson you get plus defense at shortstop right now, and with the promise of a more consistent bat down the road. Besides, even if the Mariners and Mets did work something out, there's no way of knowing if Lindor would waive his no-trade clause.

Irrespective, it's a firm no from us on even pursing him.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow