Report: Red Sox 'won't prioritize a Francisco Lindor trade'

© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor

Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor should be one of the biggest names on the trade market this offseason, but according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Red Sox are not expected to be one of the bidders in the Lindor sweepstakes.

Sources: #RedSox won't prioritize a Francisco Lindor trade this offseason, despite the strong Lindor-Alex Cora relationship. Front office expects to allocate resources to pitching; the Boston pitching staff was the worst in #MLB this year, per @fangraphs WAR. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 10, 2020

The Red Sox prioritizing pitching is not a surprise. Like Morosi said, they were absolutely horrendous from the mound this year, and if they hope to compete, they will need to bolster their rotation.

Cleveland has made it clear it plans on trading Lindor by Opening Day, but according to Morosi, the trade is "unlikely to happen quickly." The Mets are the team most likely to grab the shortstop, but "it will take time for [the] new front office to set priorities." The Mets were recently bought by Steve Cohen, who quickly made it clear he plans to clean house, with GM Brody Van Wagenen and most of his staff being shown the door.

Even with the Red Sox out and the Mets on pause, Lindor will likely generate healthy interest from other teams. The 26-year-old has hit at least 30 home runs in his last three full seasons. This year, he did struggle a bit, hitting only .258 with just eight homers over the 60-game season. Many assumed Lindor would be traded when Cleveland dealt pitcher Mike Clevinger to the Padres in exchange for several players, including shortstop Gabriel Arias.

Subscribe to Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the most comprehensive newsletter in sports. Customize your email to get the latest news on your favorite sports, teams and schools. Emailed daily. Always free! Sign up now ▸

More must-reads:

• Indians 'would love for Mets to be heavily involved' in Francisco Lindor trade?
• Report: Francisco Lindor trade 'unlikely to happen quickly'
• The 'Shortstops who hit 30 home runs in a season' quiz

Related slideshow: 25 MLB players who could be traded this winter (Provided by Yardbarker)