When the Cleveland Guardians traded away Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets back in January 2021, it was a move that raised eyebrows across the baseball world. At the time, it felt like a classic small-market decision - parting ways with a superstar before he became too expensive to keep. But now, nearly five years later, the results are in, and the scales have clearly tipped in one direction.
The Trade Breakdown:
To Cleveland:
- INF Andrés Giménez
- INF Amed Rosario
- OF Isaiah Greene
- RHP Josh Wolf
To New York:
- SS Francisco Lindor
- RHP Carlos Carrasco
On paper, Cleveland got a decent haul - two major-league-ready infielders and a pair of prospects. And to be fair, Andrés Giménez developed into an All-Star caliber player and gave the Guardians some strong production at second base.
Amed Rosario had his moments, too. Together, the two infielders combined for 23.1 WAR during their time in Cleveland - not a bad return by most standards.
But then you look at what Lindor has done in New York, and the picture shifts dramatically.
Since arriving in Queens, Lindor has rattled off four straight 5-WAR seasons, adding up to 27.3 WAR overall. He’s been the steady heartbeat of the Mets’ infield, a switch-hitting shortstop with elite defense, power, and leadership.
That’s the kind of production that doesn’t just help teams win - it defines franchises. And it’s the kind of player Cleveland fans had hoped would be a Guardian for life.
Instead, he was dealt away - a casualty of payroll constraints and a front office that’s long been forced to make tough financial decisions. And while it’s easy to say “hindsight is 20/20,” this one felt questionable even in the moment.
Lindor was already a proven star, a face-of-the-franchise type. Trading him, even for promising young talent, was always going to carry risk.
Now, that risk has turned into a clear loss.
As for Carrasco, while his best years were behind him, he wasn’t exactly washed. He still had value as a veteran arm, and he gave the Mets some solid innings during his time there. Cleveland, meanwhile, moved on quickly, leaning into their pipeline of young pitchers - something they’ve consistently done well.
But here’s the thing: trades like this are part of the game, especially for teams like the Guardians. They’ve built a reputation for developing talent, maximizing value, and staying competitive even without the deep pockets of bigger-market clubs.
And to their credit, they’ve continued to win. The Guardians have remained a playoff contender in recent seasons, thanks to smart scouting, player development, and a strong organizational identity.
Still, this trade stands out - not just because of what Lindor has become in New York, but because of what he meant to Cleveland. He wasn’t just an All-Star; he was a generational talent, a magnetic personality, and a player who embodied everything the Guardians hoped to build around.
Losing him hurt then. It stings even more now.
In the end, this deal will likely go down as one of the most lopsided trades of the decade. Not because Cleveland got nothing in return - they did - but because they gave up a player who should’ve been a cornerstone for years to come. And while the Guardians have managed to stay relevant, it’s hard not to wonder what could’ve been if Lindor had stayed in Cleveland, anchoring the infield and leading the next great Guardians team.