Revisiting the Javier Báez Trade: Evaluating Its Impact

The Leadoff Man

As we dig deep into what could be another season of being a seller at the deadline. I wanted to dig into the deal that sent Javier Báez to the Mets on July 30, 2021, let’s explore how Báez& Trevor Williams for Pete Crow-Armstrong have fared since. It’s a story of struggles, stability, and promising potential that continues to shape the future of the Cubs.

Javier Báez: Mets & Detroit’s Disappointment

Báez signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the Tigers in December 2021 but has struggled since.

Javier Báez, who we all remember for his electrifying plays and charismatic personality, moved on to the Detroit Tigers after his stint with the Mets.

Javy hit .299 for the Mets in 2021 but they ended up finishing 77-85 and 3rd place in the NL East. Baez was booed by the NY fans and rubbed people the wrong way on a team that went 12-18 in Sept/Oct.

In December 2021, Báez inked a six-year, $140 million deal with Detroit, complete with an opt-out clause after the second season and a 10-team no-trade clause. Unfortunately, his time with the Tigers hasn’t been stellar. Over three seasons (2022-2024), Báez’s batting average was .221, with an OPS of .604 and OPS+ of 69, significantly below his career averages. With Detroit looking to restock their team, Báez’s future with the Tigers is uncertain, especially as they consider trading key players like Tarik Skubal for his future replacement.

VERDICT
Javy Báez will forever hold a special place in my Cubbie-blue heart. As a die-hard, kinda-emotional fan, I always root for our guys to stay in Chicago for life. Seeing him go was tough, but looking back, it was the right call.

Trevor Williams: A Reliable Arm for the Mets

Trevor Williams provided stability for the Mets, pitching in 40 games with a mid-3 ERA through 2022.

Trevor Williams, who also headed to the Mets in the Báez trade, offered valuable innings for New York. Throughout the 2022 season, he appeared in 40 games and maintained a solid ERA in the mid-3 range. Williams’ consistency on the mound provided much-needed stability for the Mets’ pitching staff during his tenure.

VERDICT

Williams was just a bonus in that deal, didn't really move the needle for today's Cubs

Pete Crow-Armstrong: The Future of Center Field

Pete Crow-Armstrong is highly regarded for his defense and shows potential with his bat.

The centerpiece of the trade for the Cubs was prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong. Known for his elite defensive skills, Crow-Armstrong’s abilities in center field are top-of-the-scale. He combines plus speed with excellent reads and routes, making him a Gold Glove-caliber defender. Offensively, he’s shown potential with a disciplined approach and the ability to hit for power. In the past year, Chicago has worked on tweaking his swing to generate more power, resulting in increased hard contact and at least 20-homer potential. However, his aggression at the plate has led to a higher strikeout rate, a challenge he’ll need to overcome as he faces more advanced pitching. At just 22 years old, Crow-Armstrong’s prime years are still ahead, and his development is something every Cubs fan should be excited about.

VERDICT

Yeah, PCA's bat hasn't quite caught up to the hype yet, but hey, he's only 22! The dude's a wizard in center field at Wrigley, though. Seriously, he's something special out there. In the best-case scenario, he blossoms into a Johnny Damon-type player. Worst case? We still have a defensive whiz like Almora. Either way, it's a W for the team!

The Closer

Reflecting on the Báez trade, it’s clear that each player’s journey has had its unique path. While Báez has struggled in Detroit, the Cubs’ acquisition of Pete Crow-Armstrong looks increasingly promising. His elite defensive skills and potential at the plate make him a future star to watch. Meanwhile, Trevor Williams’ steady performance with the Mets provided value for New York.

This trade, favoring the Cubs for now, underscores the importance of patience and development. As Crow-Armstrong continues to grow, we can look forward to seeing him bring his talent to Wrigley and potentially become a cornerstone of our team.

Stay optimistic, Cubs fans, and keep cheering for the next generation of Cubs stars. Go Cubs!