​Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets. GettyA new trade proposal has the Red Sox dealing outfielder Jarren Duran in exchange for a five-time All-Star shortstop, a move designed to address one of Boston’s biggest roster needs.The proposed blockbuster would require Boston to part with one of its most dynamic players, albeit one who has struggled badly for most of the season, but supporters of the deal believe the potential return could reshape the club’s infield for years to come.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat return in the proposed trade would be New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor. The Mets star, owed $34.1 million annually from 2027 through 2031 for a total of $170.5 million, has become trade chatter as New York sits at 40-57 despite carrying a $329 million payroll according to the latest Spotrac estimate.WFAN’s Mike Francesa lit the fire this month, saying, “I think the Mets have decided that, from what I understand, they are trying to trade him,” as quoted by SI.com‘s Jackson Roberts.Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets loses the ball at second baseGettyFrancisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets.Lindor’s 2026 numbers won’t wow anybody, a .216 average and 86 OPS+ across 153 at-bats after a hamate bone injury and a two-month calf strain. Context matters. From 2022 through 2025, Lindor finished in the top 10 of NL MVP voting every year while clearing 26 home runs each season, and his defense remains solid, zero defensive runs saved and two outs above average.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat contrasts with Trevor Story, whose metrics have sagged to minus-2 in both categories while working back from hernia surgery. Story has one year left on his deal, and roughly $25 million of what remains could offset Lindor’s money in a package.A philosophical hurdle remains. Boston extended Roman Anthony and Garrett Crochet last year on deals ending in their early 30s, the opposite of paying a shortstop into his late 30s. SI.com‘s Roberts called the fit “a little too far-fetched to happen in reality,” even while acknowledging Lindor’s Hall of Fame trajectory.Read More From Heavy Red Sox Pitcher Aroldis Chapman Makes New Statement on Yankees at All-Star GameAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe idea of trading for Lindor was urged by the Ballpark Buzz newsletter in a recent entry.“While I didn’t expect to be writing about the Red Sox competing for a playoff spot just a few weeks ago, that’s exactly where they find themselves when play resumes on Friday,” wrote Buzz author Micah Storms. “Craig Breslow and the front office should now be focused on how to improve this team both in the present and for the future. One player who could accomplish both goals is Francisco Lindor.”Duran plays on a one-year, $7.7 million deal after Boston declined his $8 million option last fall, making him a cheap, controllable asset and the kind of MLB-ready sweetener teams attach to a star’s deal.Ad