Mets' Francisco Lindor crushing MLB trade deadline pressure

If Francisco Lindor is bothered by MLB trade deadline rumors, the New York Mets shortstop did not show much discomfort in his first two at-bats against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.

Lindor opened the scoring at Citizens Bank Park with a two-out, two-run home run. His sixth homer of the season came off a 92-mph four-seam fastball by Phillies starter Alan Rangel and traveled 420 feet.

With the trade deadline over two weeks away, the struggling Mets (41-58) and the San Francisco Giants are two organizations reportedly open for business, with a few exceptions. 

The Mets have five untouchable talents: Juan Soto, Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing. All others, including Lindor, could be made available.

More: Is Orioles' cornerstone Adley Rutschman on MLB trade block?

Multiple media outlets reported that Lindor is unlikely to be moved before the deadline, but a deal for the five-time All-Star could be executed during the offseason, when front offices have greater flexibility.

"Rival executives believe that the Mets will trade shortstop Francico Lindor this winter – not at the trade deadline," Bob Nightengale reported. 

Facing the NL East-rival Phillies, the last-place Mets jumped out to a 5-0, second-inning advantage, aided by Lindor's run-scoring single.

Lindor entered Sunday batting .205. His contract calls for the 32-year-old to make $32.4 million per season through 2031. He will be owed $160 million after this season and retains full no-trade protection.

If Lindor had any pre-trade deadline nerves, the four-time Silver Slugger didn't show any Sunday.

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