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Javier Báez Discusses Long-Term Future in New York

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Javier Báez Discusses Long-Term Future in New York

Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Since returning from the injured list back on August 22, infielder Javier Báez has been playing like the superstar the New York Mets expected him to be when they trade for him at the trade deadline.

The slugger is hitting .306 with seven doubles, nine home runs, 18 RBI, four stolen bases, and has posted a stellar 162 OPS+, .965 OPS, and 1.7 WAR over his first 34 games as a Met.

Most surprisingly, Báez has been a bit more disciplined at the plate, walking at a 6.7% rate and striking out a 26.7% rate thus far. The free-swinger drew four walks over the recent three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals, including a three walk game on Tuesday night.

Mets manager Luis Rojas has certainly taken notice of the improvements the slugger has made since joining the team. 

“I think he’s heard some different voices here talking to him about pitch selection. You have to give credit to him. He’s made a great adjustment at the plate and is seeing the results,” Rojas said.

Báez has certainly impressed in all aspects of the game early on in his Mets career. Thumbs down has quickly turned into thumbs up. Baez has shown that he is a playmaker and just finds ways to impact the game every single day.

With the Mets playoff chances growing slimmer with each loss, the 28-year old’s time in the Big Apple could soon be coming to an end. However, there is still a chance Báez and the Mets come to terms on a long-term deal over the offseason.

The impending free agent was asked about his future in New York while talking with reporters on the field at Citi Field pregame on Wednesday afternoon.

“We’ll see. I don’t have that decision right now. I’m just trying to put up my numbers, and I mean my numbers are there. But we’ll see, we’ll see what happens in the offseason,” Báez said.

He added, “I’ve always liked New York and being here. In the past playing for the Cubs, I was usually here for a weekend or something, but I have a lot of family here. It’s been great. I obviously love New York.” 

One of the factors that could work in the Mets’ favor is the opportunity to continue playing alongside his good friend Francisco Lindor long-term. Both Lindor and Báez have shown good communication in the past and thus far in orange and blue.

“We did it in the Baseball Classic, and you all saw the combination and communication that we had and that we’ve had right here, so we’ll see. We’ll see what their plan and what their decision is at the end,” Báez said.

A dynamic duo of Lindor at shortstop and Báez at second base could give the Mets one of, if not, the best and smoothest middle infields in the game for years to come. Not to mention the amount of swag and fire the duo brings.

As we’ve seen, Báez plays with the passion and energy to thrive and become a fan favorite here in New York. While the swing and misses may be frustrating at times, he is a gamer and will do whatever it takes to help this team win games.

Báez hasn’t only shined with his play on the field, but he’s shown out with his contributions off of it as well. On Wednesday night, the infielder hosted a group of children from Puerto Rico who have been dealing with cancer to the game, and he took some time to meet them on the field pregame.

In just the short time Báez has been in orange and blue, Mets fans have enjoyed the superstar infielder’s game-changing ability. He has very quickly shown that he has what it takes to be a part of this core and help this team win games long-term.

Javier Báez Discusses Long-Term Future in New York

The post Javier Báez Discusses Long-Term Future in New York first appeared on Metsmerized Online.

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