Francisco Lindor Among 5 Untouchable Mets as Fire Sale Looms

Francisco Lindor is one of just five New York Mets players who should be considered untouchable if the team pivots to a fire sale, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman.

Heyman's assessment, published amid the Mets' disappointing 2026 season, puts Lindor at the top of a very short list of keepers. The star shortstop carries a full no-trade clause and is playing at an All-Star level.

Lindor's contract includes a full no-trade clause, giving him total control over any potential move. He's also producing at an elite level, hitting .287 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs through the first half of the season.

At 32 years old, Lindor remains one of the most complete shortstops in baseball. His defense hasn't slipped, and he's a clubhouse leader for a team that has underperformed relative to its payroll.

The Mets owe Lindor $34 million per year through 2031. That's a massive commitment, but Heyman argues it's one the team should keep.

Heyman identified four other players who should be off-limits: Brandon Nimmo, Kodai Senga, Francisco Alvarez, and Mark Vientos. Each offers a combination of production, team control, or contract structure that makes them worth keeping.

Nimmo is a fan favorite with a no-trade clause. Senga is the ace of the staff when healthy. Alvarez is a young catcher with star potential. Vientos has emerged as a middle-of-the-order bat.

Everyone else, Heyman argues, should be available. That includes veterans like Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil, who could bring back prospects in a rebuild.

A fire sale would signal a major shift in philosophy for owner Steve Cohen. The Mets have the highest payroll in baseball but sit below .500 in late June.

Keeping Lindor means the team believes it can contend again soon. He's the kind of player you build around, not trade away for prospects.

But the Mets also need to decide if they're willing to eat salary to move other veterans. That's a question only Cohen can answer.

Lindor will almost certainly remain a Met through the July 30 trade deadline. His no-trade clause and contract make a deal nearly impossible.

For now, he's focused on playing shortstop every day and trying to drag the Mets back into contention. The team is 8.5 games back in the NL East.

Lindor has said he wants to win in New York. Whether the front office gives him the pieces to do that is the real question.