Dodgers-Mets NLCS matchup reveals dramatic Francisco Lindor, Mookie Betts wrinkle

Even from afar, Francisco Lindor has been a thorn in the Dodgers' side this year. The Dodgers and Mets saw each for two three-game series during the regular season, and Lindor hit .320 with two homers and six RBI despite four losses for the Mets.

Maybe even more annoying, the NL MVP conversation has boiled down to two candidates: Lindor and Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani seemed to solidify his case when he got to 50/50, but Lindor also made a strong argument by the end of the regular season and might have the edge as a position player.

On Monday evening, during Game 2 of the NLCS, Lindor made himself even more of a problem for the Dodgers. After an eight-pitch battle with opener Ryan Brasier, he hit a leadoff home run to put the odds in New York's favor. In the second, Dave Roberts decided to give him a free walk to load the bases, and then Mark Vientos hit a grand slam.

With at least three more games left to go in this series, Lindor will continue to be a problem. To make matters worse, Andrew Friedman told The Athletic that Lindor had once been a coveted trade candidate for the Dodgers in 2019 (subscription required), back when he was still in Cleveland.

The Dodgers still went out and got a former MVP in Mookie Betts instead — not too shabby — but in an alternate universe, the guy who catalyzed LA's Game 2 downfall is wearing Dodger Blue.

Andrew Friedman reveals details about Dodgers' pursuit of Francisco Lindor in 2019

Both Betts and Lindor were on the Dodgers' wishlist in the offseason between 2019 and 2020, but talks with the Guardians faded when Friedman was unwilling to give up top prospects, and adding Lindor would mean either playing him out of position or moving Corey Seager to third base. Of course, he still ended up giving up then-No. 1 prospect Alex Verdugo to the Red Sox in order to get Betts.

On paper, Betts has always made more sense for the Dodgers. He was the AL MVP and a World Series champion in 2018, and the Dodgers didn't have to sacrifice anyone on their stacked 2019 roster to accommodate him. Despite his previous postseason struggles, he's fixed something this year; even if he's still not batting as well as he should, he has two homers and six RBI and shook off an 0-for-22 postseason hitless streak.

Lindor is the Mets' centerpiece, and the Dodgers just weren't willing to make him that guy in LA. No matter the outcome of this NLCS, he certainly made them regret that during Game 2.