# Mets' Lindor trade talks intensify

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mlb-player-injury-recoveries
> Updated: 2026-08-05T19:18:14.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 11.

After being placed on the injured list on April 22 with a left‑calf strain, shortstop Francisco Lindor began a rehab program in June that included simulated games, a short stint with Double‑A Binghamton, and a subsequent assignment at Triple‑A Syracuse. He went 1‑for‑4 in his first rehab appearance and, after a full game at Syracuse, was activated on June 23 and inserted into the lineup for Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs. The Mets, languishing at the bottom of the NL East with a 34‑44 record, hoped his return would spark a turnaround.

By early July the club was again evaluating Lindor as a potential trade asset. Analysts noted his ten‑and‑five veto clause, a $162‑$174 million contract through 2031, and a .233 average with six homers and a .713 OPS. The Yankees publicly ruled out any interest on July 19, while speculation persisted about a deal with the Cleveland Guardians that would involve $80 million and top prospects. A July 22 report reiterated the challenges of moving a player with a no‑trade clause and limited payroll flexibility, despite owner Steven Cohen’s willingness to absorb salary.

In early August internal tension between Juan Soto and Lindor prompted a sit‑down meeting arranged by pitcher Freddy Peralta. General manager David Stearns said the Mets remain “open‑minded” to offers, with the Philadelphia Phillies mentioned as a possible destination. Throughout the summer, Lindor’s health, contract constraints, and the Mets’ roster struggles have kept his trade status a focal point of the franchise’s offseason planning.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-05: Mets mediate Soto-Lindor tension while Lindor trade rumors rise

Mets broker a Soto‑Lindor meeting via Freddy Peralta as trade talks focus on Lindor, whose no‑trade clause and $160 M contract make a move to the Phillies difficult.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mets-mediate-soto-lindor-tension-while-lindor-trade-rumors-rise

### 2026-07-22: New York Mets consider trading shortstop Francisco Lindor

Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor, underperforming and on a $162 M contract, is the subject of trade‑deadline rumors, including a proposal to send him to Cleveland for top prospects.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-mets-consider-trading-shortstop-francisco-lindor

### 2026-07-19: Francisco Lindor trade talks intensify as Mets shop player, Yankees rule out deal

Mets consider trading star shortstop Francisco Lindor, but the Yankees say they have no interest in a deal.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/francisco-lindor-trade-talks-intensify-as-mets-shop-player-yankees-rule-out-deal

### 2026-07-09: Mets face trade speculation as Red Sox climb into playoff race

Mets weigh trade options for Lindor and Bichette as they ponder roster changes, while the Red Sox mount a comeback that puts them near the playoff picture.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mets-face-trade-speculation-as-red-sox-climb-into-playoff-race

### 2026-06-23: Francisco Lindor returns as Mets activate shortstop for doubleheader vs Cubs

Francisco Lindor was activated after a two‑month calf strain and is set to play in Game 2 of the Mets’ doubleheader against the Cubs, following rehab games in Triple‑A Syracuse.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/francisco-lindor-activated-by-mets-for-doubleheader-after-rehab-outings

### 2026-06-22: Francisco Lindor Nears Return as Mets Adjust Bench Roster

Francisco Lindor is set to return to the Mets early next week after a Triple‑A rehab stint, with Tyrone Taylor close behind, prompting roster moves to accommodate both players.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/francisco-lindor-nears-return-as-mets-adjust-bench-roster

### 2026-06-20: Mets' Christian Scott and Francisco Lindor advance in rehab, nearing return

Christian Scott completed a bullpen session and is set for activation next Saturday, while Francisco Lindor moved to Triple‑A Syracuse for rehab, bringing the Mets closer to restoring both players.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mets-christian-scott-and-francisco-lindor-advance-in-rehab-nearing-return

### 2026-06-19: Francisco Lindor Begins Rehab Assignment, Nears Return to New York Mets

Francisco Lindor started a Double‑A rehab game with Binghamton on Friday and could be activated early next week, while teammate Tyrone Taylor also rehabs but at a slower pace.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/francisco-lindor-begins-minor-league-rehab-eyes-return-to-mets

### 2026-06-16: New York Mets seek boost from Lindor's return ahead of Phillies clash

The Mets, 32‑40 and last in the NL East, say shortstop Francisco Lindor is close to returning after rehab as they prepare to face a Phillies team on a three‑game home winning streak.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-mets-seek-boost-from-lindors-return-ahead-of-phillies-clash

### 2026-06-15: MLB stars Lindor, Senga and De La Cruz poised for returns from injury

Lindor, Senga and De La Cruz are each nearing a return from injury, with Lindor set for a June comeback, Senga rejoining the Mets rotation, and De La Cruz slated for a rehab stint before activation.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mlb-stars-lindor-senga-and-de-la-cruz-poised-for-returns-from-injury

### 2026-06-12: Mets anticipate Francisco Lindor's return by late June

Francisco Lindor, out since April with a calf strain, is slated to return to the Mets by late June after simulated rehab games.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/francisco-lindor-targets-june-20-return-for-new-york-mets

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Cite as: Mets' Lindor trade talks intensify. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mlb-player-injury-recoveries
