5 darkest moments for Chicago Cubs fans since the MLB trade deadline

Chicago Cubs: 5 darkest moments of the last week – #2 – Javier Baez

When Javier Baez was traded to New York, it sent shockwaves through the hearts of Cubs fans as the headlines poured through. Not Javy. Not the guy who openly wanted an extension and wanted to play in Chicago forever. If there was only one guy who was thought of that probably wouldn’t be traded, it was Baez.

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When Baez stated he wanted to play alongside his good friend, Francisco Lindor, it was assumed he meant if an extension couldn’t be reached and he wound up hitting free agency.

Though Baez’s asking price of $200+ million was a bit steep, it could have at least been a starting point. El Mago has been a staple in Chicago since 2016 when the Cubs won it all. The two-time All-Star boldly proclaimed his arrival among the game’s elite players in 2018, slashing .290/.326/.554 to go along with 34 homers and a National League-leading 111 RBI. He also finished second place in MVP voting, earning a Silver Slugger award as well.

For his career in Chicago, he batted .262/.303/.474 with 142 HR and 446 ribbies. El Mago dazzled fans on a nightly basis with fantastic glove work and expertise when running the bases. Baez has a raw talent and instinct for the game and he will be sorely missed in Chicago. Now, fans can do nothing but wish him the best. He too, will forever be the recipient of a standing ovation when the Mets come to town.