NEWSLETTER
I had to set aside the Craig Kimbrel White Sox trade for a moment to dig into a very serious rumor developing about the Mets and Javy Báez.
I have disliked the creeping mentions of Báez all day with the Mets, and it seems like it really might happen:
Mets in discussions with Cubs on Javier Báez, possibly more, sources tell me and @jaysonst.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2021
Because I feel like an extension with Báez in the second half remains possible, and because I still really like Báez for this team over the next few years, I haven’t wanted to see the Cubs trade him unless it was for a MONSTER return (and also was maybe to the Mets, so at least I can say Báez gets to play with his close friend, Francisco Lindor, with whom he’s often said he wants to play). And with the Cubs acquiring Nick Madrigal (second baseman of the future), you immediately wonder about Nico Hoerner at shortstop next year, which means …
Dang it. And just as I type that, the news breaks:
BREAKING: The New York Mets are finalizing a trade to acquire shortstop Javier Baez from the Chicago Cubs, sources tell ESPN. Deal is pending medicals.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2021
I will need a lot of time to process this. You probably will, too. I’ll get the return out there as soon as I can, but this is just groundbreaking stuff, together with the Anthony Rizzo trade, and maybe a looming Kris Bryant trade. To have dealt Báez now, it better be a great return. I’m sorry that I’m beholden to my emotions in this moment. But I am.
