As the Chicago Cubs front office dismantled the majority of what was left of the 2016 World Series championship core, Cubs fans could only sit and watch as their beloved heroes were sent off to rival ball clubs.
Though long overdue and expected, it was still arguably the worst week in Chicago Cubs history. Each trade was like a knife to the chest, regardless of the return that the team received.
These weren’t just our favorite ballplayers being traded away. It was the heart and soul of the Chicago Cubs, the joy in North Side baseball and the living embodiment of some of the most memorable moments of Cubs fans’ lives.
Javier Baez and Trevor Williams have been traded to the New York Mets for Pete Crow-Armstrong
And while we won’t know who won each trade until the return reaches the big leagues (if they do at all), it seems reasonably safe to say that the Cubs lost the Javier Baez trade to the New York Mets.
Although Javier Baez’s bat is a liability, his other strengths make him a coveted piece on any team. In addition to a Gold Glove in 2020 and highlight reel defense, Baez brings incomparable energy and positivity to the clubhouse. He’s the type of guy that you can build a championship around, and at a fairly affordable price for a core piece.
The Cubs also sent starting pitcher Trevor Williams to the New York Mets. Though Williams struggled throughout much of 2021, he could be a reliable bullpen arm or eat some innings for the Mets this year. He is also under team control for 2021, giving the Mets some options depending on how he performs in the remainder of the season and spring training.
In return for Baez and Williams, the Cubs received Mets prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong. Described as “solid but not quite elite” by MLB Trade Rumors, Crow-Armstrong has already showed promising defense but still has work to do on his defense according to scouting reports.
Crow-Armstrong will have to wait until next year to hone his offense, as the 19-year-old underwent shoulder surgery and is out for the season with a torn labrum.
Currently ranked as the Mets No. 6 prospect on Baseball America, Crow-Armstrong has an ETA of 2025 and has only played six games of minor league ball.
Baez of course was not going to command a massive haul, but a trade for one of the best shortstops in baseball paired with a pitcher under team control should net the Cubs more than a prospect not ranked in the top 100.
