Overview
- On Friday, July 17, MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees are not prioritizing a shortstop before the Aug. 3 trade deadline and view Francisco Lindor as not a fit for their plans.
- Sources say the Mets are acting as sellers and Lindor is not listed as untouchable, which keeps him available on the market but does not force a deal.
- A major barrier to any Lindor trade is his remaining pay, commonly cited as more than $160 million over the next five seasons and part of a roughly $341 million contract.
- The Yankees are expected to target cheaper, need-aligned pieces such as bullpen help and catching upgrades and could pursue Mets players like Francisco Alvarez, Luis Torrens, Clay Holmes, or Luke Weaver instead.
- Keeping or trading for a high-priced shortstop would also affect internal development since the Yankees have shortstop options in Anthony Volpe, Jose Caballero, and prospects such as George Lombard Jr., which factors into the club’s deadline decisions.