A source familiar with the Mets’ plans recently suggested that Cubs shortstop Javier Baez might be a more realistic acquisition by the Mets, although he too would be costly in a trade with the Cubs. This according to a report on ESPN New York who also say that the Mets are not believed to be willing to dismantle their young-pitching corps even for a major trade acquisition.
Baez, 21, made his major league debut earlier this month and hit the ground running with four homers in his first 10 major league games. But with no walks, he may not be a Sandy Alderson type player. Baez is currently playing second base because he is blocked at shortstop by Starlin Castro.
Prior to the trade deadline and then again this month, the Cubs had several scouts and front office people scouting two starts by Mets top prospect Noah Syndergaard.
Also before the deadline, a Mets source told John Harper of the Daily News that the Cubs and Castro were “a perfect match” for the organization.
However Cubs president Theo Epstein assured Castro that his future was secure after he acquired highly rated shortstop prospect Addison Russell from Oakland. Castro himself has also said he wants to remain with the Cubs and hopes he isn’t traded.
Whichever way the Mets would pursue something with the Cubs, it’s clear that any deal would be costly in terms of the young pitchers Theo Epstein is looking for. Previous reports suggested that it would take Zack Wheeler to get Castro, while recent buzz suggest that Baez would cost Syndergaard.
