With Francisco Lindor landing on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain, the NL East-leading Mets may be in the market for a shortstop leading up to MLB's trade deadline.
One potential option for New York, if that is the case? Cubs shortstop Javy Báez, who "could be a perfect match" for New York, ESPN's Buster Olney tweeted on Saturday.
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Lindor left Friday's Mets-Pirates game with right side soreness. He grounded out to second base in the fifth inning, wincing on his swing and not immediately running out of the batter's box.
After the Mets placed him on the IL Saturday afternoon, Lindor said there's no timetable for his return, adding it's a "week-to-week injury."
Báez is a Gold Glove shortstop and obviously spent the early years of his career at second and third base. He could fill in at shortstop for Lindor and then play alongside him.
However, Báez is a fan favorite in Chicago and has said on numerous occasions he wants to remain with the club long term.
MLB
Even if there's a potential fit with the Mets or another club, whether the Cubs would trade him is a different conversation.