Top 3 Magical Destinations for 'El Mago' Javy Baez

 

One of the most mercurial and volatile choices on the free agent market this offseason is undoubtedly Javier Baez. But he can also provide the most magic at any given time. Hence, 'El Mago'. 

From being a fixture on the Chicago Cubs, to a headline-making trade deadline deal, to histrionics in the Big Apple, Baez had quite the 2021. The offseason should be just as interesting. Which team has a chance to recapture the magic in 2022?

1. Chicago Cubs

Baez spent the first 7 1/2 years of his big league career in the Windy City, blowing hot and cold at times, but always electrifying the North Side with his play, and being a key piece of their 2016 world championship. It's been reported that Baez turned down a $180 million extension offer from the Cubs last year, but after his trade to the New York Mets on July 30th, he still said he would "love to" re-sign with the Cubs as a free agent. MLB insider Jon Heyman has suggested that Baez will indeed head back to Chicago. 

2. New York Mets

After acquiring Baez at the trade deadline, all was on the up-and-up, as Baez was  thrilled to be united with Puerto Rican countryman Francisco Lindor as the Mets' keystone combo. And he was performing his magic on the bases in New York. 

But then "Thumbgate" happened. Baez had a run-in with Mets fans, giving the thumbs-down to their booing of the team. It seemed that he'd be long gone come season's end. But now, according to SNY's Andy Martino, "there is a real chance that [they] will agree early in the offseason."

"On the day of thumbgate, it was a near-certainty that Báez would soon be a former Met. Now, there is a real chance that [they] will agree early in the offseason."

Javier Báez and the Mets could agree to a contract extension quickly (via @martinonyc) https://t.co/0bPcBqJBVe pic.twitter.com/7cPVJljvC4

— SNY (@SNYtv) October 19, 2021

3. New York Yankees

There's another team in the Big Apple that can't wait to take a bite out of this winter's prized free agent shortstop crop. The Yankees are always a team to deal with when it comes to free agency, but this year, they have a particular need at short. Gleyber Torres was a bust in 2021, and they even moved him off the position late in the season. 

There are so many top free agents at the shortstop position, and if they get frozen out of their top couple of choices, don't be surprised to see the Yanks make a bid on Baez. 

Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports