The most optimistic of Cleveland Indians fans should not be particularly surprised that Francisco Lindor has tabled contract negotiations in order to focus on preparing for the season.
Even if the two sides wind up miraculously coming to an agreement at some point before the end of the 2021 season, that end result will not change the fact this has always been the longest of long shots.
Though Lindor is still technically under team control for two full years, this postponement-with-a-hint-of-finality feels like the appropriate time for the Indians to begin genuinely addressing their long-term future whether it includes him or not.