Mets acquire Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco in trade with Cleveland

The Mets have acquired All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor from Cleveland. Jeff Passan first reported that the team was in deep discussions with Cleveland on a trade, and then that the trade was being finalized. In addition to Lindor, the team will also be getting starter Carlos Carrasco in the deal. In return, the team will part with shortstop Andres Gimenez, infielder Amed Rosario, and prospects Josh Wolf and Isaiah Greene.

This represents the first big splash of the Steve Cohen era, and would net the team perhaps the best shortstop in the league and one of the best all-around players in baseball. In six major league seasons with Cleveland, Lindor slashed .277/.346/.488 with a 118 wRC+ and a 28.9 fWAR. His single best season came in 2018 when he posted a 7.6 fWAR and a 130 wRC+ to go along with 38 home runs. He made the American League All Star teams from 2016-2019 and has also won two Gold Glove and two Silver Slugger awards.

Carrasco is also coming over in the trade. In 11 major league seasons, the right-hander has posted a 3.77 ERA, a 3.42 FIP, a 1.20 WHIP, and 1305 strikeouts in 1242.1 innings. Last year, he posted a 1.6 bWAR with a 2.91 ERA, a 3.59 FIP, and a 1.20 WHIP in 12 starts. He will slot in behind Jacob deGrom and Marcus Stroman in the team’s rotation.

It is unclear for now how this affects the team’s rumored pursuit of George Springer to be their center fielder. The Mets have been active so far this offseason, adding catcher James McCann and reliever Trevor May via free agency. While those moves were good, this is a step above and is the big splash fans have been dreaming of since Cohen took over as owner.