Francisco Lindor returns to Cleveland for the first time since his trade to the Mets in 2021. Fans give him a warm welcome despite the game loss. Read on for the full story of his journey and the impact on both teams.<\/p>\n
Francisco Lindor, a switch-hitting shortstop, started his major league career with the Cleveland Guardians.<\/p>\n
Drafted eighth overall in 2011, Lindor debuted in 2015 and quickly became one of baseball’s top players<\/a>.<\/p>\n Over six seasons with Cleveland, he made four All-Star teams, finished in the top 10 in MVP voting three times, and won two Silver Sluggers and two Gold Gloves. His popularity with fans was immense.<\/p>\n However, with free agency looming, Cleveland’s front office traded him rather than attempt a potentially costly contract extension.<\/p>\n In January 2021, Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco were traded to the New York Mets for Andr\u00e9s Gim\u00e9nez, Amed Rosario, Isaiah Greene, and Josh Wolf.<\/p>\n The Mets subsequently signed Lindor to a 10-year, $341 million extension.<\/p>\n Lindor has had a challenging start to the 2024 season, batting just .197\/.273\/.355 with eight doubles, seven home runs, 22 RBIs, 28 runs, and six stolen bases.<\/p>\n In contrast, he had a strong 2023 season with a 6.0 WAR and finished ninth in NL MVP voting.<\/p>\n Despite his struggles, Lindor remains an important player for the Mets, though he has not made an All-Star team since 2019 with Cleveland.<\/p>\n Andr\u00e9s Gim\u00e9nez, one of the key players Cleveland received in the trade, has flourished. Signed as an international free agent by the Mets in 2015, Gim\u00e9nez made his MLB debut in 2020.<\/p>\n He was an All-Star in 2022, winning two Gold Gloves and one Platinum Glove as the best defensive second baseman in the American League.<\/p>\n Gim\u00e9nez signed a seven-year, $106.5 million contract with the Guardians in 2023. Another player from the trade, Amed Rosario, was traded to the Dodgers in 2023 and then signed with the Tampa Bay Rays for the 2024 season.<\/p>\n Greene and Wolf remain in the Guardians’ minor league system.<\/p>\n On May 21, 2024, Lindor returned to Cleveland for the first time since the trade. He was greeted warmly by fans, though some boos were mixed in.<\/p>\n Francisco Lindor receives a nice welcome back to Cleveland in his first game in his old home park with the New York Mets.#ForTheLand<\/a> | @CleGuardians<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/TZAufuQGRC<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) May 20, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nLindor\u2019s Struggles and the Impact on Cleveland\u2019s Roster<\/h2>\n
Lindor’s Emotional Cleveland Reunion and Fan Reaction<\/h2>\n
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