Fastball

Former New York Mets Executive Discusses How the Blue Jays Almost Traded For Francisco Lindor

The New York Mets acquired superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor before the 2021 season, but he was almost a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, per reports.

Brady Farkas

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) hits a grand slam against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning in game four of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field on Oct 9.
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) hits a grand slam against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning in game four of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field on Oct 9. / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
In this story:

A few days ago, we saw the story that New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was almost acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays back in 2021.

If you'll remember, Lindor was dealt from the Cleveland Guardians to the Mets before that 2021 season. Well, the other day on social media, former Mets executive Zack Scott came out and said that the Blue Jays had an offer on the table which was very nearly accepted by Cleveland.

Scott then went on Sportsnet 590 the Fan in Toronto and detailed the discussions a little further.

According to Scott, the Blue Jays didn't do anything wrong. It just sounds as if the Guardians liked the package of players that the Mets were offering better. The Guardians ended up acquiring infielders Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario, as well as prospects Josh Wolf and Isaiah Greene. Gimenez is still an integral part of the Guardians roster today.

He's part of the group that has Cleveland just one win away from the ALCS at this point.

As for Lindor, he is one of the best players in baseball, having spent 10 years in the big leagues with the Guardians and Mets. He is a four-time All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger and a two-time Gold Glover. He just hit a grand slam to send the Mets to the NLCS back on Wednesday.

It's interesting to wonder what would have happened had Lindor joined the Blue Jays and not New York. For instance, would Bo Bichette still be in Toronto, or would he have been dealt? Would Toronto have actually won a playoff game in recent memory? They haven't won a playoff game since 2016.

Follow Fastball On SI on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball On SI coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

Published
Brady Farkas
BRADY FARKAS

Brady Farkas is a baseball writer for Fastball on Sports Illustrated/FanNation and the host of 'The Payoff Pitch' podcast which can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Videos on baseball also posted to YouTube. Brady has spent nearly a decade in sports talk radio and is a graduate of Oswego State University. You can follow him on Twitter @WDEVRadioBrady. 

Home/News