Francisco Lindor on the Trading Block? The Mets' Clubhouse Has More Drama Than a Real Housewives Reunion

The New York Mets have officially entered the part of the season where fans aren't checking the standings anymore: they're checking Zillow to see if they can move somewhere baseball doesn't exist.

Now comes the latest episode of As Queens Turns.

According to reports, Francisco Lindor isn't exactly untouchable. No, the Mets probably won't move him before the trade deadline because moving a guy who's owed $160 million and has a full no-trade clause is about as easy as getting the MTA to run on time. But this winter? That's a completely different story.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that rival executives believe Lindor could be traded after the season. Translation? Other general managers are already circling Citi Field like vultures waiting for the Mets to finish another ninth-inning collapse.

Let's be honest: When Steve Cohen handed Lindor that monster contract, Mets fans thought they were buying a Ferrari, but right now they've got a Ferrari that's been sitting on cinder blocks in the driveway.

Too harsh? Tell me where I'm wrong.

Offensively, this season has been an absolute disaster for Lindor. He has looked more lost at the plate than someone trying to find affordable parking around Citi Field. In other words, every at-bat feels like he's guessing what pitch is coming by reading tea leaves.

And then there's the Juan Soto rumors. Nobody knows if Lindor and Soto actually can't stand each other. Maybe it's true. Maybe it's complete nonsense. But if you've watched this team lately, they have the chemistry of two people forced to share an elevator after arguing over the last parking spot at Costco.

The Mets deny there's any clubhouse problem. Of course they do. That's like the Titanic saying, "We're taking on a little water."

Here's the reality: Steve Cohen didn't hand Juan Soto nearly a billion dollars to build around Francisco Lindor. He handed Juan Soto nearly a billion dollars because Juan Soto IS the franchise now. If the Mets believe these two stars can't coexist, then we all know who's staying. Spoiler alert: It isn't going to be the guy hitting like he's swinging a pool noodle.

Now before Mets fans start throwing their remote controls at the TV, let's not forget who Francisco Lindor really is. He's still one of baseball's elite defensive shortstops. He's still capable of putting up MVP numbers. He's still the type of player contenders dream about adding. Which means if he actually becomes available this winter, there will be plenty of teams lining up faster than Knicks fans buying Finals tickets.

The biggest obstacle isn't finding buyers. It's convincing Lindor to waive that no-trade clause and convincing another team to take on the remaining money. Then again, if there's one organization that has mastered turning expensive mistakes into even more expensive mistakes, it's the New York Mets.

At this point, nothing would surprise me. The Mets are in last place. The clubhouse is surrounded by rumors. The fan base is surviving on coffee and sarcasm. And now Francisco Lindor's name is floating around trade rumors.

Somebody check on Mr. Met. He's been smiling through this entire disaster, and I'm starting to think it's not because he's happy...it's because that's the mascot's costume.