Leading up to the 2021 MLB trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs have been one of the main teams which the league assumes could be enormous sellers.
Once atop the NL Central this season, the Cubs are now in no position to compete. Rather, the team will likely either retool for the immediate future, or even completely blow it up and begin a rebuild.
Two of the players likely to be dealt are closer Craig Kimbrel and third baseman Kris Bryant. While those two seem the most plausible candidates to be traded, the Cubs could also choose to part with a couple of other big names.
One of those names, shortstop Javier Baez, has been a staple in this Cubs lineup for quite a few years. But, with Baez’s contract up at the end of this year, the Cubs now must choose whether to deal him or try to lock him up long-term.
If the Chicago Cubs trade Javier Baez, one team out East seems to make sense according to an ESPN insider.
Buster Olney went on Sportscenter Sunday morning to talk about the New York Mets and their current situation with shortstop Francisco Lindor. Having been placed on the 10-day IL, Lindor originally looked like he could be back in a short time with an oblique injury.
However, Lindor said himself that this is more of a “week-to-week” injury than day-to-day. He may end up missing longer than just 10 days, and if that’s the case, the Mets will want some help.
Olney suggested that the Mets could bring in Baez to play shortstop until Lindor comes back, and then move him to either second or third base. Worst case scenario, Lindor’s oblique strain is more serious and it could threaten the rest of his regular season. If that was the case, having Baez there now becomes more than just short-term insurance. The Mets want to reach the postseason and make a run.
Currently 2.5 games up on the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, the Mets have to make a move — or a couple — in order to have the best possible chance at holding down that top spot in the pennant race.
Baez has had a deceiving year thus far, with some unusually bad defense at times. At the plate, he’s struck out over one-third of the time. Yet, Baez is also batting .241 with 21 home runs, 57 RBI and 12 stolen bases.
Baez is still a threat at the plate and is absolutely still capable of providing top-notch defense. Whatever slump he’s found himself in fielding at times has to come to an end, and maybe a change of scenery helps with that type of lift.