Cleveland Indians: 3 dream Francisco Lindor trade packages

While the St. Louis Cardinals have Paul DeJong under contract, Lindor would be a massive upgrade for the Cards at shortstop and provide a team with a rich history with their next franchise player.

For the Indians, a deal with the Cardinals would allow them to tap into one of baseball’s top farm systems. However, one name they should ask for is on St. Louis’ current roster: Tommy Edman.

The 25-year-old was drafted by the Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2016 MLB Draft and had a remarkable rookie season in 2019 as he slashed .304/.350/.500 with 11 home runs and 36 RBI’s in 92 games. In St Louis’ NLDS victory over the Braves, he hit .316, proving he can play on the biggest stage at a high level.

Edman has the ability to play several positions, including shortstop making him a perfect instant replacement for Lindor.

The Indians should also look to add the Cardinals’ fourth-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline in catcher Ivan Herrera. Herrera is a 20-year old who St Louis’ signed out of Panama in 2016. In 2019 he slashed a combined .284/.374/.405 in a year split between Low-A and High-A ball.

While there’s excitement for Bo Naylor in the Indians system, adding a second big-name catcher in the system is important.

Finally, the Indians can add an arm to their farm system in right-hander Angel Rondon. Rondon is the 15th ranked prospect in the Cardinals’ system. He is a 22-year-old who posted a 2.93 ERA and 11-7 record in a 2019 season split between High-A and Double-A.

This deal would give the Indians an MLB ready replacement for Lindor, a future starting catcher and right-handed pitcher developed by perhaps baseball’s best organization when it comes to grooming young arms.

It’d also send Lindor to one of baseball’s most respected organizations and out of the American League.