Here is the latest on Mets free agent Javier Baez…
Nov. 29, 2:29 p.m.
The Mets and Baez remain “pretty far apart” on the price of the contract he’s seeking, SNY’s Andy Martino reported.
However, Martino noted that even in the wake of the Mets signing Max Scherzer, a reunion with Baez should not be ruled out.
Aside from Marcus Semien, every one of the top free agent shortstops remains on the market, with the possibility that some will sign in the next day or two before the expiration of the CBA and likely lockout.
Nov. 27, 11:58 a.m.
According to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino, the Mets and Baez are ‘apart on price,’ which is why the Mets have pivoted towards adding pitching after agreeing to terms with outfielder Starling Marte.
Martino notes that just as is the case with Marcus Stroman, who recently tweeted that he Mets front office is more focused on other pitchers on the market, things can change.
Nov. 26, 6:49 p.m.
Following the Mets proposed two-year deal with infielder Eduardo Escobar, SNY’s Andy Martino reports that this deal doesn’t preclude the team from trying to re-sign Baez.
This deal does give the Mets some insurance if they can’t bring back Baez as the market for his services is “heating up.”
Nov. 26, 4:10 p.m.
It seems like the Mets have some real competition for Baez.
According to Jon Heyman, the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers are two of the “main teams” interested in Baez, along with the Mets.
The Red Sox already have Xander Bogaerts, so it’s possible Baez would have to switch positions if he went to Boston.
Nov. 26, 3:15 p.m.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Detroit Tigers have had contract conversations with Baez over the last several days.
The Tigers finished with the same record as the Mets, but with a much more underwhelming roster.
The Tigers are surely in the market for a shortstop, and many see them as a perfect fit for Carlos Correa – Tigers manager AJ Hinch was Correa’s manager in Houston. But the Tigers are certainly doing their due diligence.
Nov. 23, 12:32 p.m.
The Mets remain involved in the Baez chase, which includes several teams and could be resolved by the expected MLB lockout on Dec. 2, league sources told SNY’s Andy Martino.
Per Martino, there has been “continued momentum” toward a possible resolution of the Baez negotiations.
Martino adds that since new GM Billy Eppler took over on Nov. 19, talks with Baez’s representatives have continued.
Nov. 19, 3:45 p.m.
Mets owner Steve Cohen spoke highly of Baez on WFAN on Friday, per Michael Mayer, and says they’ve been in touch since the season ended.
“He did a phenomenal job for us. He’s an exciting ballplayer to watch. He brings a lot of energy to the table. I really like Javy. We had a great dinner together after the season.”
Nov. 16, 3:55 p.m.
The Boston Red Sox are among many teams showing interest in Baez, reports MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
Boston has already had one key player leave in free agency, as pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez elected to sign with the Detroit Tigers. DH J.D. Martinez opted in to rejoin the Red Sox, and free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber‘s future is still undetermined.
Nov. 11, 9:37 a.m.
The Mets and Baez’s representatives met on Wednesday, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Per Feinsand, the market for Baez “appears to be quite active.”
Baez is part of a group of elite free agent middle infielders that includes Corey Seager, Carlos Correa, Marcus Semien, and Trevor Story.
Nov. 10, 6:45 p.m.
Mets president Sandy Alderson heaped praise on Baez and discussed his potential return while speaking at the GM Meetings.
“His impression on me was very positive,” Alderson told reporters. “I thought he played exceptionally well. He’s obviously a multi-talented player. I think he would fit in well in New York.
“Nothing seems to faze him in terms of the size of the stage, can help a team in a number of different ways, and he’s an entertaining player. He goes beyond just contributing to a winning team. So, lots of positives there.”
Oct. 19, 2:14 p.m.
If the Mets make a serious offer early, Baez would be inclined to stay, SNY’s Andy Martino reported.
Per Martino, “Baez and the Mets ended the season with a feeling of mutual affection that was hard to foresee just a month earlier.”
Martino added that the Yankees are expected to be a crosstown suitor, because they were one of the most aggressive teams in pursuit of Baez at the trade deadline in July, according to sources.