Mets' Francisco Lindor trade prediction has one major problem

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Mets' Francisco Lindor trade prediction has one major problem originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets are going to be sellers at the 2026 MLB trade deadline, and the only question left isn't whether they're selling, but how far they go as sellers.

Juan Soto, Carson Benge, Nolan McLean, and the other rookies are safe, but what about the rest of the roster? Just about anyone could be dealt, including Francisco Lindor.

When it comes to Lindor, however, USA Today's Bob Nightengale revealed one major problem when it comes to trading him this summer, or even in the future. It all has to do with his contract, and the potential for an MLB lockout and/or salary cap.

Mets are predicted to face a problem with a Francisco Lindor trade​

"The Mets will ultimately trade him, believing it's best for the organization, but just not now," Nightengale predicts. "Teams need to get creative with their finances, and besides, if there is a lengthy lockout, teams may be hesitant to take on his massive contract."

While Nightengale is predicting the Mets will trade Lindor, the exact date of such a trade hasn't been made known. He doesn't predict when Lindor's dealt, just that the Mets will trade the shortstop.

The reason why is simple: the uncertainty of the MLB season in 2027 due to a potential lockout could cause teams to be hesitant to trade for someone as expensive as Lindor.

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He's in the middle of a 10-year, $341 million contract through the 2031 season, and will be a huge financial commitment to any team that acquires him.

That, plus the prospect cost of a deal, will make a trade very complicated for Lindor. More likely, the Mets will keep Lindor through the 2026 MLB trade deadline and figure out what to do with him in the future.

Nightengale is predicting Lindor will eventually be traded, but with the uncertainty surrounding MLB's future due to a potential lockout, a trade might not happen for quite some time with Lindor.

More MLB news:​

• Yankees are ‘leading candidate’ to trade for Twins’ Ryan Jeffers
• Red Sox ‘would love’ to trade for Angels’ Zach Neto or Astros’ Jeremy Pena
• Giants willing to trade Heliot Ramos in big news for many MLB clubs
• Padres likely not to trade Mason Miller amid latest update
• Tigers expected to trade Tarik Skubal but still try to contend without him

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