Cleveland Indians: Francisco Lindor trade packages from the AL East

BOSTON, MA – JULY 20: Jeter Downs #20 of the Boston Red Sox throws during an intrasquad game during a summer camp workout before the start of the 2020 Major League Baseball season on July 20, 2020 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The season was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Red Sox Get

SS, Francisco Lindor

Indians Get

2B/SS, Jeter Downs

OF, Jarren Duran

Boston is another unlikely destination for Lindor, but this mock trade is fun to explore.

Boston has one of baseball’s worst farm systems and traded superstar Mookie Betts last season with his contract set to expire.

While there was some speculation they could make a push for Lindor given the shortstop’s relationship with Red Sox manager Alex Cora, Boston is an unlikely destination for the four-time All-Star.

If a surprise trade were to be made between the two clubs, it would likely involve middle infielder Jeter Downs.

Downs is Boston’s top-ranked prospect who they landed from the Dodgers in the Betts trade last offseason. He plays both second base and shortstop and was selected 32nd overall in the 2017 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds. In his minor league career, Downs is a .267 hitter and is on track to make his MLB debut next season.

With Downs a prized prospect, the Indians would likely only be able to land one more piece from Boston and that could be outfielder Jarren Duran.

Duran was selected in the eighth round of the 2018 Draft by Boston and in 2019 already reached Triple-A and is now the eighth-ranked prospect in the Red Sox system. At 24-years old, he is already nearing the majors and could immediately slide into the Indians outfield where they need help.

Overall, this is an unlikely match, but if the Indians were to land Downs for Lindor, it would be a massive victory for the organization and send their shortstop to one of baseball’s premier franchises.

Next: New York Yankees