Mets adding Javy Baez in deal with Cubs at MLB trade deadline
Baez #Baez
Yankees and Dodgers making trades, looking to postseason
SHARE
SHARE
TWEET
SHARE
Click to expand
UP NEXT
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 Chicago Cubs, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced.
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.
From NFL plays to college sports scores, all the top sports news you need to know every day.
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.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mets adding Javy Baez in deal with Cubs at MLB trade deadline