Mets' Francisco Lindor crushing MLB trade deadline pressure

18 hours ago 1

If Francisco Lindor is bothered by MLB trade deadline rumors, the New York Mets shortstop did not show much discomfort in his first two at-bats against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.

Lindor opened the scoring at Citizens Bank Park with a two-out, two-run home run. His sixth homer of the season came off a 92-mph four-seam fastball by Phillies starter Alan Rangel and traveled 420 feet.

With the trade deadline over two weeks away, the struggling Mets (41-58) and the San Francisco Giants are two organizations reportedly open for business, with a few exceptions.

The Mets have five untouchable talents: Juan Soto, Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing. All others, including Lindor, could be made available.

More: Is Orioles' cornerstone Adley Rutschman on MLB trade block?

Multiple media outlets reported that Lindor is unlikely to be moved before the deadline, but a deal for the five-time All-Star could be executed during the offseason, when front offices have greater flexibility.

"Rival executives believe that the Mets will trade shortstop Francico Lindor this winter – not at the trade deadline," Bob Nightengale reported.

Facing the NL East-rival Phillies, the last-place Mets jumped out to a 5-0, second-inning advantage, aided by Lindor's run-scoring single.

Lindor entered Sunday batting .205. His contract calls for the 32-year-old to make $32.4 million per season through 2031. He will be owed $160 million after this season and retains full no-trade protection.

If Lindor had any pre-trade deadline nerves, the four-time Silver Slugger didn't show any Sunday.