Three years ago, the Cleveland Guardians and the New York Mets agreed to put a trade together.
The transaction was centered around Francisco Lindor, a star shortstop in his prime who was becoming too expensive for the Guards to keep around.
Among the prospects the Guardians got in return was second baseman Andres Gimenez, who developed enough to become a multiple Gold Glove winner and a steady hitter.
Lindor went from being the Guardians’ leader to the head of the Mets’ upcoming project.
Unfortunately for him, his Mets are 21-28 this year and growingly unlikely to compete this year.
The Guards, on the other hand, are 33-17 and at the top of the AL Central.
Lindor and his Mets recently visited Progressive Field, for the first time since the trade.
The infielder was met with a mix of cheers, applauses, and some boos.
SNY Mets asked him about the Mets’ season after being swept in Cleveland and he maintains he believes in the organization.
“Francisco Lindor is asked if he feels like the Mets’ season is slipping away: ‘No. I believe in this team, I believe in what we have,'” they tweeted, with a video of the interview.
Francisco Lindor is asked if he feels like the Mets' season is slipping away:
"No. I believe in this team, I believe in what we have." pic.twitter.com/t4qTeAIVkN
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) May 22, 2024
Truth be told, the Mets are in a good position to compete in 2025 and beyond.
The 2024 campaign might be a stretch, though.
Lindor had some really good moments in Cleveland (.833 OPS and several awards, plus a World Series loss), but while he still has several years on his contract, he already seems to be declining a bit (.765 OPS with the Mets since 2021).
Meanwhile, the Guardians saved some money and got some good prospects with the trade, including Gimenez, and are currently vying for the top record in the AL.
NEXT: Guardians Highlight The Elite Status Of The Bullpen
