BAEZ BROUGHT IN BY THE METS!
The New York Mets acquired infielder Javier Baez, pitcher Trevor Williams and cash from the Chicago Cubs for outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
What does it give the New York Mets
The Mets already have a quality shortstop in Francisco Lindor, but he is currently injured. Baez will likely take over in the interim and then move over to either second or third base when Lindor returns. Do not expect Baez to remain in Queens beyond this season, as he will likely test the free agent market. As for Williams, he should provide some badly-needed innings for New York's embattled starting rotation.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
The purge continues on the North side of Chicago, as Baez is merely the latest player to be moved out (after the likes of Joc Pederson, Anthony Rizzo and Craig Kimbrel, with Kris Bryant still to come). In Crow-Armstrong, the Cubs land a quality prospect who began 2021 on fire but then got injured. Had he not suffered the injury in May, he might not have become available in trade. A lucky break for the Cubs?
Fantasy impact
Baez is a good fantasy performer with massive power, so he should continue to be a solid player down the stretch. His 2022 destination is now a mystery, as is his future position. Williams should maintain his value with the Mets, too. As for Crow-Armstrong, his path to the bigs may be considerably easier with Chicago. First, he needs to get healthy. His keeper value is quite high.
