The last week in MLB was about a team in the National League pulling off a blockbuster trade, a team will need to cut salary to sign a free agent, and a MLB Hall of Fame manager passes away.
New York Mets Acquire Shortstop Francisco Lindor And Starting Pitcher Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland Indians
The New York Mets made a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Indians last week as they acquired shortstop Francisco Lindor and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco.
Welcome to New York! 🍎
We’ve acquired Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco. #LGMhttps://t.co/Bc0fICHUKn
— New York Mets (@Mets) January 7, 2021
The Mets sent shortstops Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez, outfielder Isaiah Greene, and right-handed pitcher Josh Wolf to the Indians.
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 Guardians (@CleGuardians) January 7, 2021
This is the first significant move by the Mets under new owner Steve Cohen.
Lindor is one of the best young players in MLB, and in his six years with the Indians, he was selected as an All-Star four times and won two Gold Gloves within that period.
The shortstop plays the game with passion and will be a star with the Mets.
He instantly becomes the face of the franchise.
The Mets moved two shortstops to acquire Lindor, and it would not be shocking if they signed him to a long-term deal.
Lindor is set to be a free agent after the 2021 season.
The other significant part of the deal was adding Carrasco to the rotation.
The right-handed pitcher has been one of the better starting pitchers in the American League for the past several seasons.
He posted a 2.91 ERA in 68 innings pitched (12 starts) with 82 strikeouts and just eight home runs allowed last year.
He has a career 3.77 ERA in 11 seasons with the Indians.
Carrasco is under club control for at least two seasons.
He is set to make $12 million in 2021, $12 million in 2022, and has a $14 million club option with a $3 million buyout in 2023, per Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY.
Carlos Carrasco's remaining contract: $12 million in 2021, $12 million in 2022 and a $14 million club option of $3 million buyout in 2023.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 7, 2021
After Lindor and Carrasco’s additions, the Mets can challenge the Atlanta Braves for the National League East crown.
New York Mets Will Need to Cut Payroll to Sign Outfielder George Springer
The New York Mets will need to get creative financially if they want to sign outfielder George Springer after acquiring shortstop Francisco Lindor and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco.
The Mets will need to cut payroll with another trade to sign Springer; sources told Andy Martino of SNY.
The Mets’ payroll is under $190 million, and the team wants to stay $5-$10 million under the $210-million luxury tax threshold for roster moves during the season, mentions Martino.
Springer is looking for a multi-year deal that will exceed $150 million, and it is why the team will have to shed salary to sign him.
The addition of Springer would be phenomenal, but having financial flexibility for a possible move later in the season takes higher priority.
Los Angeles Dodgers Legend, Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda Passes Away At 93
Tommy Lasorda, who was a legendary individual for the Los Angeles Dodgers and terrific manager, passed away several days ago at age 93, per an announcement by the Dodgers.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 8, 2021
Lasorda was in attendance when the Dodgers won the World Series in October and was admitted to an intensive care unit with an unknown illness in November.
He returned home early last week but had a sudden cardiopulmonary arrest at his home, passing away afterward.
Lasorda succeeded Walter Alston – another Hall of Fame manager – as Dodgers manager in late 1976.
Lasorda managed the Dodgers for 19 full seasons and parts of two others, guiding them to seven playoff appearances, four pennants, and two World Series titles.
He ranks 22nd all-time with 1,599 wins and is second to Alston in franchise wins.
He was a two-time MLB National League Manager of the Year, and his 31 victories in the postseason are tied with Dusty Baker for 11th all time.
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- Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.
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