NEWSLETTER
The New York Mets still do not have a new president or GM, but that’s not stopping them – Sandy Alderson and Steve Cohen, I assume? – from trying to make significant moves that will impact the long-term health of the organization for better or worse. It’s weird, man. But whatever.
Tonight’s installment is a continuation of a rumor from last month, that the Mets are seriously trying to lock down Javy Báez on a long-term deal before he gets too far out there into free agency:
Word is the Mets had a meeting with Javier Baez’s camp today. The market for Baez appears to be quite active in these early days of free agency.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) November 11, 2021
Michael Mayer, who is tapped into Mets stuff, adds, “Indication I’ve been given is that Báez could sign early in the offseason, and the Mets are very serious with their interest in bringing back Javier.”
The range of contract projections on Báez has been quite wide, but it’s more or less impossible to see him signing this early if he’s not getting a substantial deal (at least $150 million? 6+ years?). Maybe the Mets are ready to lock down Báez, together with Francisco Lindor, even if it means the next boss is going to have a guaranteed $60 million middle infield for the next six or seven years. (Yes, I’m being a little salty because there’s a part of me that still wants to see the Cubs have a chance to talk to Javy again.)
Báez, 29 next month, was brilliant for the Mets after the trade deadline (and despite the organization dumping on him with the thumbs down thing), giving them a very clear look at what he can do when he’s on a hot stretch. Of course Báez will frustrate you when he’s off at the plate, but he’s so gifted in all things baseball that the total value has always felt more than just an accumulation of his offensive (or even defensive) statistics.
Of course the Mets – and Lindor – want Báez to stay. He’s as fun as it gets, and I’m sure the two of them up the middle for years to come would be pretty darn good. Grumble. Stay tuned.
