The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and conversations surrounding New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor are heating up. According to Chelsea Janes of SNY, Lindor is not "off the table" as the Mets consider their options for unloading assets. However, his complicated contract situation — including $185.8 million still owed through 2031 and a full no-trade clause — adds layers to any potential deal. With the 2023 season proving to be lackluster for Lindor, marked by a low rWAR of 0.5, teams looking to bolster their rosters see him as an intriguing option. The question is: what would it take for the Mets to part ways with their five-time All-Star? Here are eight trade proposals that range from plausible to downright wild.

Cleveland Guardians Proposal

Guardians get: SS Francisco Lindor ($185.8M), $80M cash Mets get: SS Brayan Rocchio, SS Angel Genao (MLB No. 34)

The Guardians would welcome back Lindor, who previously dazzled in Cleveland, even if it feels nostalgic. With Rocchio already thriving at 2.5 rWAR, adding Lindor — albeit with the Mets covering part of his massive contract — could bolster their chances at a deep playoff run. For the Mets, Rocchio is a young shortstop with control until 2029, and Genao offers promising hitting skills.

Los Angeles Dodgers Proposal

Dodgers get: SS Francisco Lindor ($185.8M), $25M cash Mets get: RHP Edwin Díaz ($46.8M), LHP Justin Wrobleski

Los Angeles gains a superstar shortstop, which could provide the team additional depth as they eye another World Series title. However, the positional shift for Mookie Betts would require some reworking. For the Mets, bringing back closer Edwin Díaz could be a thrilling narrative, along with Wrobleski, who could help stabilize a shaky rotation.

Boston Red Sox Proposal

Red Sox get: SS Francisco Lindor ($185.8M) Mets get: SS Trevor Story ($39.6M), OF Jarren Duran, RHP Kyson Witherspoon (MLB No. 92)

With Boston's recent winning streak, they find themselves looking for a potent bat, making Lindor an appealing upgrade. Although trading Story could be tough given his prior reputation, the financial relief gained by the Mets — a $146.2 million saving — could pave the way for future signings.

Toronto Blue Jays Proposal

Blue Jays get: SS Francisco Lindor ($185.8M) Mets get: RHP José Berríos ($54.9M), RHP Jeff Hoffman ($15.2M), SS JoJo Parker (MLB No. 41)

The Blue Jays look to upgrade their shortstop position markedly, thinking Lindor can turn the team’s offense around. This deal could see some loneliness with the loss of prospect Parker, but the Mets snag critical bullpen help with Hoffman and the salvaging potential of Berríos.

New York Yankees Proposal

Yankees get: SS Francisco Lindor ($185.8M) Mets get: LHP Carlos Rodón ($66.3M), SS Anthony Volpe, OF Jasson Domínguez

The Yankees could pursue Lindor to enhance their roster, seeking veteran leadership and capabilities at shortstop. For the Mets, Rodón could furnish pitching depth alongside potentially trading Volpe and Domínguez, promising players that may thrive elsewhere.

San Francisco Giants Proposal

Giants get: SS Francisco Lindor ($185.8M) Mets get: SS Willy Adames ($123M), OF Dakota Jordan (MLB No. 64)

By swapping Lindor for Adames, the Giants admit fault in their signing trajectory while acquiring a star player. The Mets gain stability in their infield with Adames and another exciting prospect in Dakota Jordan, heightening their minor league talent.

Philadelphia Phillies Proposal

Phillies get: SS Francisco Lindor ($185.8M) Mets get: RHP Aaron Nola ($107.7M), SS Aidan Miller (MLB No. 55)

This is a controversial deal considering they’re rivalry. Yet acquiring a dynamic bat like Lindor may entice the Phillies despite Nola's performance concerns. For the Mets, Nola offers potential rotation improvement while acquiring Miller adds depth to the system.

Atlanta Braves Proposal

Braves get: SS Francisco Lindor ($185.8M), LHP Sean Manaea ($30.4M) Mets get: 3B Austin Riley ($140.4M), LHP Cam Caminiti (MLB No. 54)

A Lindor trade to the Braves raises eyebrows for multiple reasons, chiefly the rivalry. However, if the Atlanta team is prioritizing winning now, Lindor could be a strategic addition. In return, the Mets land a promising third baseman in Riley alongside a talented prospect like Caminiti.

As the August 3 trade deadline approaches, these proposals illustrate the complexities of trading an elite player like Francisco Lindor. While the odds are against any trade materializing, teams are eyeing the star shortstop carefully, considering the potential impact on their postseason aspirations.