Does Francisco Lindor trade indicate Dodgers are confident in Corey Seager’s future?

This latest update suggests Dodgers SS Corey Seager might be here to stay.

First, many firmly thought the Los Angeles Dodgers would be among the main players in the Francisco Lindor sweepstakes. Then, we learned they were involved, but talks didn’t go that deep because Andrew Friedman wouldn’t budge on the prospects that would’ve changed hands with the Cleveland Indians.

Now? Apparently they were never in on Lindor, according to ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, who appeared on “The Michael Kay Show” to talk about the impact of the New York Mets making the blockbuster deal.

If that’s indeed true, that has to indicate the Dodgers’ front office is optimistic that Corey Seager will be the team’s shortstop for the long haul. As a client of Scott Boras, Seager likely won’t sign an extension, but perhaps LA likes its chances to bring him back in free agency.

Well, you’re not getting DJ LeMahieu at a discount because the Yankees are going to push as far as they possibly can to retain him. Lindor, while always seemingly loosely linked to the Dodgers, was never really a fit unless LA wanted to disrupt the status quo. Maybe if they don’t win the World Series they would’ve considered it, but Seager fully entrenched himself after winning the NLCS and World Series MVP.

Plus, the bigger concern is at the hot corner. Nobody knows what’s going to happen with Justin Turner, which always made a trade for a third baseman like Kris Bryant, Eugenio Suarez or Nolan Arenado more likely than a Lindor deal.

Passan elaborated on the situation surrounding Seager, too, and it certainly bodes well for the long-term situation.

Remember, even if they strike out on Seager, they’ll likely have a good shot at signing Carlos Correa, Trevor Story or Javier Baez, all of whom are free agents after 2021. And if Lindor doesn’t sign an extension with the Mets, he’ll be on the table too.

But the Dodgers are the undisputed powerhouse in Major League Baseball and it’s in their best interest to let Seager play out 2021 and sign him after he tests free agency. It’s the best match in terms of fit and familiarity, which is why the Dodgers won’t disrupt the status quo unless they absolutely have to.

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