Insider: Blue Jays Will 'Absolutely' Look Into Francisco Lindor Trade

With the revelation on Thursday that only five New York Mets are untouchable in trade talks, Francisco Lindor's name was glaringly not on that list. 

The five-time All-Star shortstop is already being linked to the Toronto Blue Jays. Sportsnet's Jeff Blair says there is a "preexisting relationship between the Jays & Lindor," in regards to the current Toronto front office duo of Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins having been with Cleveland when Lindor arrived as a star. 

Insider Jeff Passan said the Jays would indeed make a call to the Mets, as they're desperate for a productive bat. But it comes with a big $160M caveat.

Should the Blue Jays be in on Francisco Lindor?
@JeffPassan joins @SNJeffBlair and Kevin Barker to assess the Mets shortstop's potential fit in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/2hyX0bKEVY

— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) July 17, 2026

"Absolutely, they'll make a call on it. (But) He's got five years and $160 million left on his contract. The big question is, if you were the Toronto Blue Jays right now, when it comes to Francisco Lindor, do we want to trade for an up-the-middle player who is going to be 33 years old in November?"

Passan notes that while he's currently a "franchise-type guy", and "for now, it would be a beneficial move. But you're not going to get him on a contract dump..." In other words, it'll cost some serious prospect capital. 

Which brings him to the bottom line question: "Do you want (to give all that up) to take on the money that's owed for an aging middle infielder?"

Lindor has been riddled by injuries this season, and hasn't produced much of anything for New York in 2026. Could this be the start of a decline? That's a $160 million question the Blue Jays need to seriously take into consideration before they go all-in on Lindor.