MLB Rumors: Red Sox Not Focused on Acquiring Francisco Lindor

The Red Sox are reportedly not expected to prioritize a trade for Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor despite his "strong" relationship with Boston manager Alex Cora.

The Red Sox are not expected to prioritize a trade for Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor despite his "strong" relationship with Boston manager Alex Cora, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. 

The Indians reportedly intend to trade Lindor before the 2021 season to help clear salary space. The four-time All-Star, who is set to be a free agent in 2022, is expected to earn about $21 million in salary arbitration on the remaining year of his contract. 

Speculation about the potential move comes after the Red Sox rehired Cora on Nov. 6. The World Series–winning manager was suspended for one year due to his involvement in the Astros' sign-stealing scandal in 2017. 

In an interview with NESN in August 2019, Lindor said he has known Cora since he was 18. Lindor, who shares Cora's hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico, grew up watching Cora play and said it was a "blessing" to share experiences with him. 

"He's like a big brother, I love him," Lindor said. "I look up to him. Every time I play against him, it's joyful. ... He's always messing around, saying things to me across the field. It goes back and forth, I love it."

Lindor, 26, recorded 61 hits and eight home runs and batted .258 during the shortened 2020 season. 

Keep up with the latest news and rumors around MLB:

• Mets president Sandy Alderson says it's "very likely" Luis Rojas will remain the team's manager for the 2021 season. 
• The Texas Rangers are among the teams showing preliminary interest in free agent pitcher Matt Shoemaker. (Jon Morosi, MLB Network)
• Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis (American League) and Brewers reliever Devin Williams (National League) were named MLB's Rookies of the Year on Monday night. 
• White Sox manager Tony La Russa was charged with a DUI branching from a February incident in Phoenix. (Jeff Passan, Paula Lavigne and Charlie Moynihan, ESPN).