Report: Cubs made Javier Baez $160M-$170M offer in 2020
The Chicago Cubs and star shortstop Javier Baez have been in discussions on a contract extension and details of an offer have now surfaced.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, the Cubs made Baez a multi-year offer in the $160 million to $170 million range during spring training in 2020.
Baez is coming off a subpar 2020 campaign, but is off to a better start in 2021, slashing .214/.267/.464 with four home runs and 12 RBIs on 12 hits in 15 games.
The 28-year-old is slated to join a loaded free agent class of shortstops this winter, led by Corey Seager, Trevor Story, Marcus Semien and Carlos Correa. It’s unclear what kind of deal he’s looking for.
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor landed a 10-year, $341 million deal and San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. agreed to a 14-year, $330 million contract. Baez isn’t expected to get that large of a deal.
The Cubs also have to re-sign Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant this offseason, though the club’s front office has made it pretty clear that it won’t be able to retain all three players.
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