Francisco Lindor is under club control for two more seasons, giving the Indians four windows to trade him – this offseason, at the deadline, next offseason, at the 2021 deadline.



But in reality, the Indians might want to act as soon as possible.



Club officials would never admit such a thing and compromise their leverage. But one year from now, if the Indians keep Lindor, they will face the same obstacles trading their All-Star shortstop that the Red Sox currently face with right fielder Mookie Betts: One remaining year of control. A salary through arbitration that likely will exceed $25 million. And little to no chance of signing him long-term.



Once Gerrit Cole’s free-agent contract is finalized – whether it’s for $280 million, $300 million or an even more astronomical number – the Red Sox’s chances of retaining Betts will be even lower than they are now.



Free agency is back, at least for elite players, and...