The New York Mets, who have spent the last 79 days in first place, made a huge splash Friday at the trade deadline, agreeing to acquire All-Star infielder Javy Baez from the Cubs.
Pitcher Trevor Williams will also head to the Mets from the Cubs, while Chicago receives outfield prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong, New York’s first-round pick in the 2020 draft.
The move came just minutes after the Cubs sent closer Craig Kimbrel to the White Sox. The breakup of the championship era core began Thursday with Anthony Rizzo being sent to the Yankees.
Baez will join friend and compatriot Francisco Lindor, currently on the injured list, in the Mets’ new-look infield. The Gold Glover is expected to man shortstop while Lindor is out and then shift to second base when he returns.
Baez struggled in the shortened 2020 season with a .599 OPS but has 22 home runs and 65 RBI in 91 games this season.
The 28-year-old has expressed his desire in the past to play with Lindor, who signed a 10-year, $341 million deal with the Mets prior to the season.
“If I go to the free agency, I would like to play with Francisco Lindor,” Baez said earlier this week. “I loved playing with him in the World (Baseball) Classic. It is the only option I would take to play second base if it is to play with him, otherwise I stay playing at shortstop.”
Jeff McNeil has been the Mets’ everyday second baseman, but the 2019 All-Star can play third base and left field.
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