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Javier Baez is headed from the Windy City to the Big Apple.
The Mets acquired the infielder, along with RHP Trevor Williams and cash, from the selling Cubs for Pete Crow Armstrong — the Mets’ 2020 first-round draft pick.
Baez likely becomes the Mets’ shortstop as Francisco Lindor heals up from a stint on the IL with a right oblique strain. When the $341 million star returns to the lineup, Baez would shift to second base – a move he’s already said he’d be cool with.
“If I go to free agency, I’d like to play with Francisco Lindor,” Baez said Tuesday during an interview with Mega 106.9 FM. “I loved playing with him in the [2017 World Baseball Classic]. That’s the only option I’d take to play second base.”
Lindor was hyped to see his Puerto Rico teammate join the cause in Queens, writing “Heeeeeellllllll Yeeeeeeeaaaaa” above the news on his Instagram story.
The aren’t the only once excited about the move.
“Always been a huge fan,” manager Luis Rojas said of Baez before the trade was formally announced. “He’s a guy that if he goes 0-for-4 he can beat you with his glove or on the base paths.”
The 28-year-old Gold Glove infielder has swatted 22 homers this season while batting .292 and driving in 65 runs over 91 games with Chicago. He’s slated to enter free agency at the end of the 2021 season.