MLB Rumors: 3 realistic Javier Baez trades the Cubs should consider accepting

The Mets are in a state of transition, with new owner Steve Cohen and a yet-to-be determined fully constructed new front office regime likely ready to make major moves this offseason. The on-field transition at shortstop may have already started this past season, as Andres Gimenez showed enough promise to possibly push Amed Rosario out of the equation.

The Mets are a top rumored trade suitor for Francisco Lindor, but team president Sandy Alderson has professed a desire to fill multiple holes and build depth. Trading players and prospects and then having to pony up a Mookie Betts-style contract for Lindor would not fit a more balanced allocation of resources. That said, it’s not as if Alderson is going to say publicly, if merely hypothetically, “yeah, we’re going to trade the farm for Lindor and give George Springer a six-year, $210 million deal.”

Baez will be cheaper than Lindor in 2021, and a new deal for him will still be cheaper than Lindor’s even if he rebounds back to form next season. As consolation prizes go, while still allowing for bigger moves, the Mets should have a trade for Baez on their radar now.