Photo by Chris Simon
According to SNY’s Andy Martino, there is a “real chance“ the Mets and Javier Báez could agree on a contract extension early in the offseason. While this does not mean that an extension is a sure thing, it appears that both sides have an interest in coming to terms early in free agency.
A big factor in the Mets deciding to extend Báez early is his relationship with Francisco Lindor. Before being traded to New York, Báez said in a Spanish interview with Mega 106.9 FM that he would love to play with Lindor while discussing his upcoming free agency, and playing next to Lindor is the only way he would move off of playing shortstop. This most likely gave the Mets reason to believe he would be inclined to re-sign at the end of the season if they acquired him. Seeing the two Puerto Rican middle infielders have as much success as they did side-by-side could be the deciding factor for the Mets to pull the trigger and make Báez a serious offer.
The thumbs-down fiasco could have easily led to Báez spending just the remainder of 2021 in Queens before the Mets let him walk as a free agent. According to Martino, Báez “spoke up to say that the gesture had been his idea,” and players and staff viewed this as “a moment of accountability and leadership that not only made the meeting more productive but helped to bond Baez and the organization to one another.” The combination of these qualities, his willingness to play through injury when he was acquired and his hot finish to the season helped change the perception of Báez’s tenure as a Met.
While an extension is no guarantee, Báez made it clear that he believes in the direction the organization is going. Despite still searching for a front office leader, Báez and Steve Cohen appear to have the same vision for the future of the organization after having “several conversations” at the end of the season.
“This group is special,” Báez told the media in late September. “I know they want to win. I don’t know if I’ll be here or not, but they’re going to win soon. I can feel it.”
A contract extension for Báez will most likely be in the $150-$200 million range. Báez, who turns 29 in December, slashed .299/.371/.515 with nine home runs and five steals in 47 games as a Met.
