Photo by Chris Simon

Javier Baez has always been known to be an infamous free-swinger, but as of recent, Baez has shown a level of plate discipline never before seen in his eight-year major league career. Baez has set a new career high by reaching base safely in 16 straight games. Additionally, Baez has the same amount of walks (nine) as he does strikeouts (nine) during this same span.

At this point in the season, the Mets have realized that there hopes of raising a pennant in Flushing are far gone. But for many on the active roster, the closing stretch is crucial in proving why they should be brought back for the 2022 season, and beyond. Báez will be a free agent after the season and the Mets have to decide how much money they’re willing to spend on a double play duo after giving Francisco Lindor a $341 million dollar extension following his acquisition from Cleveland.

In keeping with the theme of evaluating the now more patient Baez, it’s interesting to note that he also ranks fourth in the majors in best batting average in at-bats that don’t end in a strikeout, coming in at .418, behind MVP favorite Bryce Harper, Tyler O’Neill, and Patrick Wisdom.

Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

On top of that, in his time as a Met, Báez has increased his walk percentage to 7.8%, a would-be career-high, with his previous highest coming as a rookie in 2014 with 6.6%. Over the past two weeks, Baez ranks third in Major League Baseball in on-base percentage at .520, proving to be the Mets most disciplined eye.

Overall, for the Mets, Báez is hitting .307/.383/.555 with nine home runs, five stolen bases, and a 1.6 WAR in his first 39 games with the Mets.

During an extremely disappointing stretch of games in the past eight weeks, Báez has been one of the lone bright spots to look forward to on a nightly basis. When comparing Báez’s numbers to other hitters who were traded at the deadline, there is no debating that he sits atop the list in terms of personal success. By re-signing Báez, the Mets would solidify the league’s best defensive middle infield for years to come. Along with his defensive prowess and power bat, the Mets need savvy veterans with postseason experience as the front office continues to build the roster into a perennial World Series contender.

Question becomes what can the Mets afford to give Báez, as well as trying to potentially keep other free agents in Marcus Stroman, Aaron Loup, Noah Syndergaard, and Michael Conforto? And then still add other necessary pieces?

As we’ve seen in just over one year of team control, owner Steve Cohen is committed to spending the necessary money to deliver a product that is built to last. By re-signing Javier Báez, the Mets would solve one of the most pressing issues facing the franchise in the upcoming offseason.