Red Sox Showing Interest In Javier Baez
3 years agoThe Boston Red Sox are among many teams showing interest in free-agent middle infielder Javier Baez after he finished strong with the New York Mets in 2021. Xander Bogaerts is entrenched as Boston's starting shortstop, but his defense has been a weak spot. Bogaerts also has the option of opting out of his contract after the 2022 season. In that scenario, the BoSox could sign Baez to play second base next year before taking over for Bogaerts at the 6 in 2023 if he opts out. Despite a strong free-agent market for shortstops this winter, Baez is attractive plenty of interest, which makes it less likely that he'll return to the Mets. The 28-year-old has made it clear that he prefers to play shortstop. Baez finished with a .265/.319/.494 slash line with an .813 OPS, 31 home runs, 87 RBI, 18 stolen bases and 80 runs scored in 547 plate appearances over 138 games with the Mets and Chicago Cubs in 2021.
Source: MLB Network - Jon Heyman
Source: MLB Network - Jon Heyman