Chicago Cubs: Trade grades for every move following a hectic deadline

Chicago Cubs go all-in on sell-off, send Javier Baez to the New York Mets

Perhaps the most surprising deal of the day, Javier Baez became the second core member traded away. Baez had been linked to the Mets before due to Francisco Lindor’s injury, but it was hard to see the Cubs getting anything of real value as Baez had struggled through a lot of the year. But, in combination with Trevor Williams (who hasn’t been great either),  the Cubs landed a very intriguing prospect in outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.

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Crow-Armstrong was the 18th overall pick by the Mets in 2020 and is just 19 years old. Crow-Armstong has absolutely elite fielding potential, great speed, and plus contact potential as well. Crow-Armstrong likely won’t have great power in his bat, but with the amount of power already in the Cubs’ system, this is a perfectly fine prospect to try and develop.

The hangup with him is that there have always been questions about his bat, but he was absolutely raking in A-ball before tearing his labrum. It’ll be vital for the Cubs to make sure he comes off his injury and continues to make positive strides.

Overall this deal is an absolute win for the Cubs. Baez was rightfully beloved in Chicago, but he was struggling this year, and getting a valuable prospect like Crow-Armstrong in return is a huge plus for Hoyer. It’s tough to see Javy go, but at least his final moment in Chicago was quintessential Javy.

Grade: A-