Grading the 2021 Cubs trade deadline moves two years later

3. The Javier Baez trade

The Javier Baez trade was an absolute steal for the Cubs. In exchange for two and a half months of starter Trevor Williams and Javier Baez (not even the best Javier Baez mind you), the Cubs secured a top tear-outfield prospect in Pete Crow-Armstrong. The only tool Crow-Armstrong is lacking in is power, but other than that he is the whole package. He can hit, steal bases, has a strong arm and has a perfect grade of 80 for his defense. Crow-Armstrong is also ranked as the seventh best prospect in all of baseball.

After closing out 2021 with the Mets, Baez signed a seven-year deal with the Detroit Tigers, where his offensive production has taken a steep nosedive. In 2022 and 2023, Baez hit just 23 home runs and collected 2.4 WAR. 2023 has been particularly bad with the former MVP runner-up posting a 62 wRC+ (league average is 100) with a slash line of .226/.261/.329.

This trade was a home run for the Cubs and Crow-Armstrong is poised to patrol center field at Wrigley Field for a long time.

Mets get: SS/2B Javier Baez and RHP Trevor Williams

Cubs get: OF Pete Crow-Armstrong

Grade: A