Source: Phillies One of Main Suitors for Francisco Lindor

The Major League Baseball hot stove league is actually open for business, but you wouldn't really know it with the lack of movement since it started.

Free agents are free to sign with any team they want, but nothing has really happened, and likely won't for awhile. However, that doesn't mean you won't hear rumors and trade possibilities, and one prominent name on the market is Cleveland shortstop, Francisco Lindor.

Lindor is four-team American League All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove Award winner and, and is currently scheduled to reach free agency after the conclusion of this coming season.  The Indians are unlikely to retain him, which means they are looking to move him for as much of a haul as they can.

According to MLB.com's Jon Morosi, the Phillies are among teams that are "viewed as the strongest candidates" to land Lindor from the Indians.  Other teams include the Mets, Yankees, Blue Jays and Cardinals.

The Mets, Yankees, Phillies, Blue Jays and Cardinals are viewed as the strongest candidates to land Lindor, sources say.

The 26-year-old shortstop is a career .285 hitter, and has averaged 29 home runs and 21 stolen bases through his first six major league seasons. In the condensed 60-game 2020 season, Lindor hit .258 with eight homers and 27 RBI.

The Phillies have 2019 first-round pick Bryson Stott in their organization.  The 23-year old shortstop would likely have to move positions if the team acquired Lindor, or could be used as part of a package to bring him to Philadelphia.

One issue is the Phillies would need to sign him, and Lindor projects to command about $21 million in 2021 via salary arbitration and is set to become a free agent leading into 2022.  It appears increasing likely the team could lose J.T. Realmuto in free agency, and they gave up right-handed pitcher Sixto Sanchez to get him.  if the Phillies give up more young assets up to get a player and he walks, that could be disastrous.