Cleveland Indians: Why the ‘Tribe’ should keep Francisco Lindor at all costs

Cleveland Indians: Why the ‘Tribe’ should keep Lindor at all costs

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So what’s the right answer to Cleveland’s dilemma? Do they listen to all the trade offers and take the best possible deal they can get for Lindor?

Do they keep him until the trade deadline, hoping that having him on the roster for at least the first half of the season gives them the kind of cushion that allows them to get back into the postseason?

Or do they let him play all of 2020 in a Cleveland Indians uniform, knowing they have additional veteran leadership that could help the young superstar push Cleveland into a deep playoff run?

While there are logical arguments to support all three conclusions, I for one believe Cleveland should keep Lindor for the entire season and see how things play out. Missing the postseason in 2019 was a huge disappointment, but the Indians actually improved on their 2018 regular season and they still have veterans that know how to win.

There’s a reason the front office’s phone won’t stop ringing with inquiries about Lindor; he’s the kind of superstar who can make an immediate impact wherever he goes. If the Indians move Francisco Lindor they risk having that same sick feeling the Detroit Tigers had back in 2017 when they traded superstar pitcher Justin Verlander to the Astros just before the deadline, only to watch him play a major role in helping Houston win that year’s World Series.

Moving on from Lindor while he’s still in his prime is strictly about money. I understand that, years ago DJ Quik famously said “If it doesn’t make dollars, it doesn’t make sense.” However, the reaction from Cleveland’s fanbase when Paul Dolan indicated that moving Lindor was inevitable shows they are not ready to give up on a shot at making the postseason and possibly another run to the World Series over dollars and cents.

My advice to the Cleveland Indians would be to keep your young star and give your team a chance. You never know what could happen.