Cleveland Indians chatter: What Reds, Francisco Lindor trade might look like

A look at who the Cleveland Indians might get in a trade for Francisco Lindor with the Reds.

The Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds know how to get a trade done–but now we’ll see if they can pull off a mega-deal for Francisco Lindor.

Lindor is no stranger to rumors involving the Reds and Cincinnati has a need at shortstop. Plus, with the Cubs blowing things up, the NL Central is ripe for for the taking.

So, what would Cincinnati have to part with to acquire Cleveland’s four-time All-Star?

ESPN’s suggested a “Midwest version” of the trade that the Dodgers and Red Sox made for Mookie Bets. This deal would see a Nick Senzel and Jonathan India package coming to Cleveland, in addition to  “a lesser third prospect” such as Tony Santillan.

"“[This package] isn’t a drastically different trade from the one that landed Betts,” wrote Dan Szymborski."

The scribe had to have Senzel in mind when he wrote that. He’s big-league ready and ready to be an everyday player. I’m not as high on Senzel as others, as injuries are a concern. I’m also the same guy who watched Trevor Story play with the Asheville Tourists and never thought he’d get out of A ball.

Senzel obviously has talent, but I would think there would have to be serious concerns surrounding hid durability when his name is tossed around the Tribe’s front office.

The No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft, he missed the final week of the 2017 campaign due to positional vertigo. In 2018  a torn finger tendon limited him to 44 games. He was promoted to the big leagues in 2019, but a shoulder injury (labrum) cut his debut short at 108 games. He managed to bat .256 with 12 homers, 20 doubles and 42 RBIs.

He was limited to 23 games in the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign. Senzel was placed on the injured list on Aug. 19 without an injury designation.

India, a third baseman, was the fifth overall pick in the 2018 draft. He made it to Class AA in 2019.

Santillan pitched with Scott Moss in the rotation at Class A Dayton. Plus, I’ll forever be grateful for the help he gave me translating an  interview with then Reds prospect Jose Siri (Sorry Señor Garate, I did my best).

The Indians got Moss in the three-team trade for Trevor Bauer. I remember Santillan having an effective fastball and slider. He owned a career 24-28 minor league record to go along with a 3.94 ERA.

He’s exactly the type of player you’d like to see the Indians baseball development people get ahold of.