It appears that the New York Mets aren't scared of looking into blockbuster deals, even after last winter's trade with the Seattle Mariners didn't go according to plan.
The Mets "aggressively" tried to acquire shortstop Francisco Lindor at the winter meetings, engaging in significant discussions with the Cleveland Indians about the four-time All-Star, sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
Lindor was a "luxury item" and not a "must-have" for the Mets, according to Rosenthal. New York reportedly shied away from Cleveland's likely asking price of shortstop Amed Rosario and two top prospects in exchange for Lindor.
Instead of giving up young talent in order to acquire Lindor and his hefty salary - he's expected to earn $40 million-$45 million over the next two seasons - the Mets opted to sign pitchers Rick Porcello, Michael Wacha, and Dellin Betances after believing the Indians weren't very motivated to move Lindor.
The Mets have drawn criticism for their December 2018 trade for Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano from the Mariners. Both players were disappointments during their first seasons in New York, while one of the prospects they traded, Jarred Kelenic, is beginning to look like a star.
Lindor has been mentioned in trade rumors since November. Although the 26-year-old All-Star is one of baseball's best shortstops, the Indians appear to be trying to sell high before he becomes a free agent following the 2021 season.
The Puerto Rican recently discussed his future in Cleveland, expressing a desire to stay with the Indians long term, but he also said the team hasn't "offered me the right thing."
"If they don't think I can stay here because of the money situation, then I won't be here," Lindor told reporters at the beginning of February. "I do want to be in Cleveland. I love the Cleveland Indians, I love the Cleveland fans. The city has grown on me a lot. When is it the right time to sign an extension? I don't know."
