Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez gives a thumbs down to Mets fans

Javier Baez was – and to many still is – beloved by Chicago Cubs fans everywhere, largely because of the role that he played in bringing fans that long-awaited championship in 2016. It appears that he isn’t exactly endearing himself quite as well to fans of his new team.

On Sunday, Baez revealed why players on the Mets, including himself, have been giving the thumbs down sign whenever they do something good:

More from Cubbies Crib

• Projecting the Chicago Cubs bullpen to open the 2023 season
• Cubs fans are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel
• Justin Steele has evolved into a frontline starter for the Cubs
• The future of first base is murky right now for the Cubs
• Legendary Pat Foley will finally call a Cubs game at Wrigley Field

Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez has been struggling as the Mets collapse

As expected, Mets fans, and Twitter users in general, have been lighting up Baez for his remarks. The Mets held a 3 1/2 game lead on July 30, when the Mets acquired Baez from the Cubs, but the team has struggled mightily since then and now sit in third place, a full seven games behind the Atlanta Braves for first.

Baez, meanwhile, hasn’t exactly been lighting the world on fire, slashing .207/.258/.414 with the Mets while drawing lots of complaints from fans for swinging at pitches way out of the strike zone.

Because Baez has been struggling, along with the team in general, it’s easy to understand why Mets fans would be upset about this. On the other hand, Baez does have a right to be upset that he and his team are getting booed, as many would argue that true fans won’t boo their own team (at least as long as they are trying their best). It’s an argument that I’ve personally always had a hard time deciding on.

Whatever you think about this, which has already blown up in the big media storm that is New York, it’s safe to say that Baez isn’t on the North Side of Chicago anymore. He’s used to being adored by fans; getting booed like this is probably new to him. In that regard, it’s hard not to feel maybe a little bad for him – and definitely makes you wonder if it makes him eager to return to the Cubs at season’s end.