MLB Rumors: Cubs' Javy Báez Could Be ‘Perfect Match' for Mets

Javy Báez could be ‘perfect match’ for Mets originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

If Francisco Lindor misses substantial time due to a side injury, the NL East-leading Mets may be in the market for a shortstop leading up to MLB’s trade deadline.

One potential option for New York, if that is the case? Cubs shortstop Javy Báez, who “could be a perfect match” for New York, ESPN’s Buster Olney tweeted on Saturday.

If Lindor’s injury is relatively serious — those oblique injuries can take 4-to-6 weeks — then Javier Baez could be a perfect match for the Mets. He could hold down shortstop initially, and then move to second or third later, in keeping with his career-long versatility.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 17, 2021

Lindor left Friday’s Mets-Pirates game with right side soreness. He grounded out to second base in the fifth inning, wincing on his swing and not immediately running out of the batter’s box.

Francisco Lindor left the game in the middle of the 5th inning after appearing to injure his side on a swing. pic.twitter.com/eipL4J8JCJ

— SNY (@SNYtv) July 17, 2021

The severity of Lindor’s injury was unclear Friday night, and he was set to undergo testing on Saturday. But as Olney points out, a serious oblique injury could sideline the New York shortstop for several weeks.

Báez is a Gold Glove shortstop and obviously spent the early years of his career at second and third base. He could fill in at shortstop for Lindor and then play alongside him.

However, Báez is a fan favorite in Chicago and has said on numerous occasions he wants to remain with the club long term. Even if there’s a potential fit with the Mets or another club, whether the Cubs would trade him is uncertain.

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