Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez, Mets remain far apart in talks

As was the case with the Chicago Cubs and Javier Baez before the trade deadline, the New York Mets and the two-time All-Star  are reportedly have a sizable dollar gap in ongoing talks.  Although there is not a reported asking number from Baez that is known to the public, after seeking a contract north of $200+ million during his Cubs tenure, you have to wonder what his price point is now after a strong second half performance to close out the 2021 campaign.

Before shipping off to the Big Apple, Baez batted just .248/.292/.484. That mark was actually up from the 2020 shortened season where he slashed .203/.238/.360 in 59 games. Along with leading the NL in strikeouts this season, it’s not hard to understand Jed Hoyer’s judgement call to trade his shortstop back in July. Of course after that, Baez got back to All-Star form and became a key contributor for New York.

In fact, as a Met, Baez slashed .299/.371/.515 in 47 games, which had he had done in 2020/2021, there’s a solid chance he could have had that $200 million deal he was looking for. To finish the year, Baez finished with an impressive 4.5 WAR to go along with 31 HR and 87 RBI.

In free agent talks, the Mets and Baez are at a standstill right now. The Detroit Tigers’ reported interest in Baez certainly came out of left field over the weekend, that’s for sure . It’s curious that a lower market team that was bottom 10 in both payroll and net worth in 2021 such as the Tigers have now emerged as a potential frontrunner for Baez’ services.

Chicago Cubs: Are the New York Mets still focused on Javier Baez?

After the Mets made a flurry of moves on Friday, including signing infielder Eduardo Escobar to a two-year deal, it stands to reason they might be pivoting to pitching now. After all, in addition to Escobar, New York signed All-Star Starling Marte and utilityman Mark Canha, as well.

Baez did his part in the Big Apple, rebounding at the plate and batting nearly .300 in the second half of the season. If the Mets are unwilling to budge, it’s definitely not because of his performance for the club this summer. Recent reports suggest New York is all about pitching now, including a pursuit of Max Scherzer.

As for the Cubs, a reunion always felt like a long shot – and that remains the case. To this point, Chicago has been scarcely mentioned as a suitor not just for Baez, but any of the loaded free agent shortstop class. In any case, the former North Side slugger seems destined to call somewhere else home moving forward.