NY Mets Free Agents: Where each will sign and for how much

Javier Baez signs a 5-year $100 million-dollar contract with the Mets

The Mets acquired Javier Baez and Trevor Williams in a big blockbuster trade with the Cubs at the deadline trading away their 2020 first-round pick Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Baez is known for his lack of plate discipline. He swings at pretty much anything so pitchers rarely throw him anything in the strike zone.
However, in his short time with the Mets, Baez showed some discipline. He nearly doubled his walk rate and his strike-out rate went way down as well. He was outstanding in his 47 games as a Met.

Baez slashed .299/.371/.515 with nine home runs and 22 RBI with the Mets. He drew 13 walks in 186 plate appearances as a Met compared to 15 walks in 361 plate appearances as a Cub. The difference is very clear.

With the added discipline, Baez got more pitches to hit and he did a lot of damage. His OPS was over 100 points higher as a Met than as a Cub.

Was this all so the Mets would pay him top dollar? Is this the new hitter Baez will be? I have no idea. Either way, Baez does just about everything else well. He has 30+ home run power, plays elite defense, and stole 18 bases this season.

With decent plate discipline, Baez becomes one of the best players in baseball, that’s how good he is at everything else.

I don’t know if teams are willing to take the risk on whether Baez will be disciplined at the plate. I do believe the Mets will take that risk. They traded for him and gave up a recent first-round pick so they must think he’s a good player.

The 28-year-old has expressed willingness to stay in Queens and play second base alongside close friend Francisco Lindor.

I believe since the question marks are there about his plate discipline and with all of the other talented shortstops, a 5-year $100 million-dollar contract gets it done.