Red Sox, Mets among 3 front-runners to sign Javy Baez
Javy Baez has a strong market in MLB free agency but the Red Sox and Mets have emerged as two of the big 3 frontrunners to sign him ahead of 2022.
When looking at the middle infielders on the free agency market this offseason, guys like Carlos Correa, Corey Seager and Marcus Siemien are all going to be the biggest names that get the most headlines. Javier Baez, however, is a player that almost any team would be happy to land this offseason.
Talk about the Javy Baez market has been ongoing for quite some time and, as you’d expect given a more manageable sticker price than his peers in free agency, there are have been several teams rumored to be interested.
As we get deeper into the offseason, though, things are starting to take a clearer shape. Specifically, MLB insiders Jon Heyman and Jon Morosi have reported that three teams have emerged as the favorites to land Baez: the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Detroit Tigers.
Tigers, Red Sox and Mets are 3 of the main teams on Javier Baez. Detroit could be best SS fit, and there have been recent talks, as @jonmorosi reported. Tigers are determined to add a bigtime SS and won’t go to $300M, which likely limit chances for Correa or Seager.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 26, 2021
Javy Baez rumors: Red Sox, Mets, Tigers lead pursuit of prized free agent
The Mets got the best version of Baez after he middled with the struggling Cubs before their fire sale at the trade deadline. In 47 games in New York, the shortstop and second baseman slashed .299/.371/.515 with nin home runs, 22 RBIs and five stolen bases.
With that said, New York seemingly already has a contingency plan in place after the club just signed veteran switch-hitter Eduardo Escobar, who could also play second base.
Could that hurt the Mets? It’s certainly possible, especially with the Red Sox and Tigers highly motivated to get after Baez in free agency. Boston would love to upgrade from Christian Arroyo and allow Kiké Hernandez to stay in the outfield longer. Meanwhile, the Tigers are just eyeing big names that can improve a severely lacking roster.
All told, the three frontrunners have money they can spend and a need that Baez could fill. The polarizing and fiery veteran should definitely have his pick of quality options whenever he’s ready to put pen to paper.
Next. MLB insider reveals Mets are trying to sign Max Scherzer. dark