Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez is playing his way toward a monster deal

Chicago Cubs: Mets could build around Javier Baez and Francisco Lindor

Javier Baez has always wanted to play alongside fellow countryman Francisco Lindor. Now, he’s got that chance on a nightly basis in the Big Apple. The two seem to feed off one another, with the latter heating up right alongside El Mago of late.

After a tough two-month stretch to kick off his massive deal with the Mets, Lindor has been a much stronger presence for the club. Over the last two weeks, specifically, he’s got an OPS north of 1.000 – which would mark his best in any single month this season. Is it a coincidence Baez is playing well at the same time? Maybe – but the two might just be feeding off one another.

With over $30 million dedicated to Lindor alone annually, the thought of another $20 million+ infielder might not be the way to go for the Mets. Don’t forget, they’re on the hook for $20.5 million to deGrom, as well, and have a crop of arbitration-eligible players that won’t come cheap.

If Baez is truly seeking that nine-figure deal (which he certainly will if he finishes this year strong), a new front office could prefer to have some wiggle room in the budget rather than be dealt a hand with little room for maneuvering. This is where Baez coming back to Chicago becomes a real possibility.