The Cleveland Indians and shortstop Francisco Lindor have avoided arbitration and come to terms on a one-year deal worth $17.5 million
This is a big deal. Not contract extension big, but big in a different way. Francisco Lindor has agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Indians. The deal is worth $17.5 million for the 2020 season.
As Jon Heyman notes, this is the second-highest deal for a player who is arbitration eligible for a second time. Lindor will enter his final arbitration eligible season in 2021. Whether or not Lindor is still in an Indians uniform for that arbitration discussion is a different matter entirely.
The future of Francisco Lindor in Cleveland has been a topic of conversation for at least a year. There have been discussions about Lindor as a trade target. Chris Antonetti and Terry Francona recently downplayed these rumors. Whether Lindor stays in Cleveland during this season may be a different story. Cleveland could even look to make a trade after the year.
Cleveland has been busy today. The Indians have agreed to deals with Tyler Naquin, Nick Wittgren, and Delino DeShields. Coming to terms on these deals could influence future moves this offseason. Knowing exactly how much money they have to play with will help when they are targeting free agents and potential trades.
