Baez's fantasy outlook doesn't change much in NY
D.J. Short breaks down Javier Baez's fantasy outlook with his move to the Mets and says managers should expect more of the same from the former Cub.
Video Transcript
DJ SHORT: Part of the flurry of Cubs moves at the recent MLB trade deadline, infielder Javier Baez was flipped to the Mets alongside right hander Trevor Williams, with 2020 first round pick outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong going back to Chicago. With Baez, the Mets get cover at shortstop with Francisco Lindor working his way back from an oblique strain. They also get a player whose value helps well beyond his batting line.
There's no question that Baez has a flawed approach at the plate. As of August 4, he struck out in 35.6% of his plate appearances with one of the highest chase rates among all qualified hitters. It should be no surprise that he's sporting a 269 on base percentage dating back to the start of 2020. However, his power is off the charts.
Baez is also really fast and makes things happen on the base pass well functioning as a plus in the field, whether he's at shortstop or second base, which is the positional play once Lindor is healthy. It would be unfair to compare him to what Yoenis Cespedes did for the Mets in 2015, but Baez has that sort of potential to go on a big run as he approaches free agency. There's not much of a change in fantasy value for Baez with his new home. He's going to remain frustrating at times with extended slump certainly possible, but it's going to be tough to keep his power and speed out of your fantasy lineups on a daily basis.
