NY Mets: This Trade Proposal Could Send Javier Baez to New York

The New York Mets could make a splash at the trade deadline. Here is one potential trade that could give the Mets a highly appraised third baseman for years to come.

With shortstop Fransisco Lindor on the 10 day IL, the core of the Mets infield took a significant hit. The Mets are lacking on offense and definitely defense now.

The Chicago Cubs recently but non surprisingly made headlines when they announced they would be selling the team. A rebuild seems to be in the cards for the Cubs, who look aloof and lost among the close contested NL Central.

One name in particular who was heavily linked to the Mets this previous off-season was third baseman Kris Bryant.

While acquiring Bryant would be ideal, one other name the Mets should consider is SS/3B Javier Baez. Baez ranks in the Top 5 percentile among all MLB Shortstops despite striking out an an alarming rate thanks to very solid defense. He has a 2.8 WAR on the year however, so there’s hope all around.

Here’s some eye opening Baez statistics for the advanced stats nerds out there like I am.

We all know that Baez started his MLB career in 2014. In 2014, his 41.5 K% was followed up in 2015 with a significant decrease. Baez wowed, showing signs of improvement with a solid 30.0% K%. A promising sophomore year. However, if we’re talking BABIP, just ask the Cardinals’ Matt Carpenter, BABIP can ruin your whole career and that’s just one tiny small sample size stat. Fortunately in 2015 Baez’s BABIP improved at .412 from a concerning .248 in a however strong rookie season.

A dip in Baez’ wRC+ at 9 from 14 in 2014 was notable as well.

Baez also seems to be taking a more cautious approach at the plate, seemingly focusing on plate discipline. Baez made slightly better contact last season, although there’s still some time. In 2020, Baez’s contact % was a solid 63.8% opposed to 61.8% this season.

Let’s now look at the advanced defensive stats of Baez.

Baez had 6 DRS, or defensive runs saved, for those new to my website I’m a huge advanced stats nerd. So far, Baez now has 4 DRS on the season.

To sum this up, it’s not every day you get a shot at a guy like Javier Baez for very little to offer in a trade package only based on the fact that the Cubs are going to be sellers. If you get the chance to send righthander JT Ginn to Chicago, with potentially Francisco Alvarez if the Cubs are really asking for much more, you should just take it while the offer is on the table.