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New York Mets acquire Javier Baez in blockbuster Chicago Cubs trade

Javier Baez, New York Mets

Chicago Cubs star Javier Baez is being traded to the New York Mets, part of the blockbuster deal with just minutes left until the MLB trade deadline.

Baez, who rejected a contract extension earlier this year, became an obvious trade candidate with the Cubs aggressively selling. Once Anthony Rizzo and Craig Kimbrel were dealt, a Baez trade became inevitable for Chicago.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal first reported the Mets and Cubs were progressing further in negotiations. Minutes later, ESPN’s Jeff Passan shared that a blockbuster trade for Baez was being finalized.

Baez, a free agent this offseason, fills an immediate need for the Mets. Francisco Lindor landed on the injured list July 17 with an oblique strain. With the All-Star shortstop expected to be sidelined for a few more weeks, New York finds its short-term replacement.

  • Javier Baez stats (2020): .248./.292/.484, 2 home runs, 65 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, .775 OPS and 2.0 fWAR

Once Lindor returns, Baez will shift over to second base. While the 28-year-old hasn’t played the position since 2018, he has more than 1,800 innings at second and is also capable of playing third base.

The Mets are also receiving right-handed pitcher Trevor Williams. Across 58.2 innings this season, 12 starts, he holds a 5.06 ERA with a 1.53 WHIP. But the Mets might be able to get some effective innings out of him at a time when multiple starters are on the injured list.

In exchange for Baez and Williams, per MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Cubs will receive outfield prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong. In Baseball America’s midseason update, Crow-Armstrong rated as the sixth-best prospect in the Mets’ farm system.

The trade will become official once players pass their physicals.

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