Overview
- Jon Heyman reported Friday that the Yankees are not prioritizing a shortstop ahead of the Aug. 3 deadline, making Francisco Lindor an unlikely in-season target.
- SNY reporter Chelsea Janes said the Mets have told rival clubs most players could be available, and Lindor was not explicitly placed on an untouchable list.
- Lindor is having a down 2026 season (about a .210/.291/.363 slash line through mid-July) and carries a reported $341 million contract through 2031 with a full no-trade clause, which complicates trade talks.
- Yankees decision-makers prefer to address catcher and bullpen needs, with Jon Heyman naming Francisco Álvarez, Luis Torrens, Clay Holmes and Luke Weaver as more realistic Mets trade targets.
- Multiple league executives told reporters that while Lindor could be traded eventually, sources including Bob Nightengale say a move is viewed as more likely in the offseason than before August 3.