3 players Dave Dombrowski should try to trade for
By Matt Rappa
3. Francisco Lindor
The Phillies quietly have been among the teams in the mix to potentially acquire star shortstop Francisco Lindor from the Cleveland Indians.
Exactly a month before the Phillies officially hired Dombrowski as their president of baseball operations. the organization entered trade rumors regarding the four-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove Award winner, and two-time Silver Slugger.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, labeled the Phillies as among the “strongest candidates” to acquire the 27-year-old Lindor from the Indians, who reportedly seek three players who are either currently in the majors or are close to their big-league debut.
At the time, no deal appeared close, according to Morosi, but things sure have changed since across Major League Baseball’s landscape. Dombrowski’s presence back in a front office is a significant contributor.
Related Story. Phillies get Francisco Lindor, catcher in hypothetical deal. light
Just as much as the Phillies’ planned starting catcher for the 2021 season remains uncertain, the same can be said for their starting shortstop. While J.T. Realmuto was issued a qualifying offer and the organization continues to say they would love to have him back in 2021, there has not been as much public support to re-sign Didi Gregorius.
Gregorius was not issued a one-year qualifying offer, but hinted to New York’s WFAN earlier this offseason that he would be willing to re-sign if the stars align: “If [the Phillies] want me back, sure,” he said. “I can’t force or say that I have to do this, I have to be there. At the end of the day, it’s up to them, what they want to do. I really enjoyed playing with the guys over there, I had a great time.”
Along with Gregorius, there are some notable shortstop free-agents still available, including former Phillie Freddy Galvis, Marcus Semien, and Andrelton Simmons. Prior to Dombrowski arriving, the safe assumption would be that the Phillies would wait and see how the market plays out. The Phillies selected a shortstop from the New York Yankees in Thursday’s Rule 5 Draft, but he has yet to play above the Double-A level.
Don’t be surprised if Lindor rumors resurface. The Phillies could use a perennial All-Star-caliber infielder to pair with rising star third baseman Alec Bohm for years to come.