Report: Blue Jays were runner-up in Francisco Lindor trade

Toronto was long rumoured to be a possible trade destination for Francisco Lindor before Cleveland ultimately dealt him to the New York Mets, and it sounds like the Blue Jays just narrowly missed out.

The Blue Jays were the runner-up in the Lindor sweepstakes, according to MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince, with their package centred on long-term prospects.

FWIW, the Blue Jays were the runner-up for Francisco Lindor. Don’t know specific players, but I’m told their offer had what is probably a higher ceiling yet was centered on long-term prospects. Cleveland chose the package from the Mets b/c it balanced short- and long-term help.

— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) January 8, 2021

Despite the Blue Jays’ offer potentially carrying a higher ceiling, Cleveland opted for a more balanced return that could help the club in both the present and future.

The Mets sent major-league infielders Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario plus prospects Josh Wolf and Isaiah Greene to Cleveland in exchange for Lindor and veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco on Thursday. The move was the Mets’ first major splash under new owner Steve Cohen.

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The Blue Jays have been linked to nearly all of MLB’s top free agents to varying degrees this winter, but have not yet added the type of impact piece they are looking for. Re-signing left-hander Robbie Ray back in November remains Toronto’s lone move of significance as the off-season continues to move at a slow pace.