CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians have traded beloved All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco, another fan favorite, to the New York Mets, the team announced on Thursday.
Lindor and Carrasco will be sent to the Mets in exchange for shortstops Andrés Giménez and Amed Rosario, right-handed pitcher Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene, according to the team.
We have acquired INF Andrés Giménez, INF Amed Rosario, OF Isaiah Greene and RHP Josh Wolf from the New York Mets in exchange for SS Francisco Lindor and RHP Carlos Carrasco. pic.twitter.com/MhxvJR2QuF
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) January 7, 2021
Lindor and the Tribe had been in contract discussions for some time but have been unable to agree upon a figure that satisfied the 27-year-old shortstop.
Cleveland purchased Lindor’s contract from the Columbus Clippers in 2015 and he’s been with the Tribe since, leading them to a World Series appearance in 2016 and three postseason appearances in 2017, 2018 and 2020.
While trading Lindor was expected, Carrasco’s involvement comes as a surprise.
"Cookie" has become a beloved player in Cleveland since battling leukemia in 2019 and returning to the mound that same season. Carrasco won the Roberto Clemente award in 2019, given to a player “who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.”
The Indians thanked Carrasco on social media after announcing the trade.
We'll always stand #CookieStrong for you, Carlos.
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) January 7, 2021
Thank you for everything. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KCBNxUZiGx
Giménez, 22, made his MLB debut last season with the Mets, batting .263 with three doubles, two triples, three home runs and 12 RBI in the course of 49 games, slashing .333/.398/.732. He recorded a .987 fielding percentage with a defensive run saved in 22 starts at shortstop. Giménez entered last season as the 84th-ranked MLB prospect.
Rosario, 25, who made his MLB debut in 2017, has appeared in the majority of his 403 career games as the Mets' primary shortstop. During his time with the Mets, Rosario has batted .268 with 63 doubles, 20 triples, 32 home runs, 148 RBI , 50 stolen bases, slashing .300/.339/.473.
Wolf, 20, listed as the ninth-best prospect in the Mets' system, was the 53rd overall selection in the 2019 MLB Draft.
Greene, 19, was the Mets' second round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft and is listed as the 10th overall prospect in the Mets' system.
Indians president Chris Antonetti said the team believes this trade allows them to "bring in and infuse more talent into the system" in order for Cleveland to remain competitive in 2021 and moving forward.
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