Iconic Wrigleyville establishment roasts former Cubs star Javier Baez in his return

More than three years after being traded to the New York Mets amidst a head-spinning number of moves made by Jed Hoyer at the trade deadline, longtime Chicago Cubs star Javier Baez made his long-awaited return to Wrigley Field on Tuesday night.

Thankfully for the Cubs, he wasn't able to re-capture any of that El Mago magic from yesteryear, going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts, including punching out in the top of the ninth, representing the tying run. But prior to the game, the team honored Baez with a video tribute and he received a lengthy standing ovation when he stepped to the plate for his first at-bat.

But it wasn't all sunshine and roses. Across from the street from Wrigley Field, Murphy's Bleachers laid waste to Baez, welcoming him back and chiming in, "we sure don't miss that batting average."

The sign is known for its punny, chippy shots taken at opponents, but this one felt different given Baez's legacy on the North Side. He was a staple during a golden era of Cubs baseball and remains beloved by the fanbase even three years removed from his final game here.

Javier Baez has been one of the worst players in baseball since 2022

That's not to say it isn't a fair critique. Since the start of 2022, Baez has been one of the worst players in all of baseball and has gotten worse with each passing year in the Motor City. He's hit rock bottom this season, batting .182 with an OPS that's barely north of the .500 mark. The Tigers are on the hook for three more years of his deal at a staggering price tag of $73 million.

The decision to trade Baez (along with Bryant and Rizzo) looks better with each passing year. At the time, the emotions of the moment overwhelmed most of us - and who could blame us as fans? These were the guys who did the impossible: they erased a 108-year championship drought and brought home that long-elusive World Series title.

So, here's to El Mago. But, if we're being honest, nobody is upset that his contract - and the on-field woes that accompany it - isn't on the Cubs' books right now.