Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez wans to ‘reach an agreement’ with the Cubs

Though the novel coronavirus has slowed extension talks, it has not slowed Javier Baez’s desire to remain with the Chicago Cubs.

At least one side in the question of the long-term relationship between the Chicago Cubs and Javier Baez is willing to sign up.

Baez told ESPN-Chicago this week he wants to “reach an agreement” on terms of an extended deal as soon as possible.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

In fact, Baez added that talks had been progressing well this spring until they were halted in place by the Corona Virus epidemic. “We want to reach an agreement…(but) right now everything is

on hiatus. Just like it happened with baseball,” Said Baez according to ESPN.

He added that he is “very happy” in Chicago.

Baez is under contract for $10 million this year and is arbitration-eligible in 2021. He can become a free agent prior to the 2022 season.

Given the general uncertainty over both the status of the 2020 season and also team revenues, it’s hard to assess the Cubs’ – or any team’s – payroll flexibility moving forward. At the moment, the Cubs have $85 million in commitments for 2021. The only players firmly under contract beyond that point are pitchers Yu Darvish and Kyle Hendricks and outfielder Jason Heyward.

Baez made it plain he would like to continue to play in Chicago for the indefinite future. But he added that sentiment would only go so far in contract talks.

“It’s a blessing when a player can wear the same uniform their whole life – but it’s a business,” he added. He put the question as one of “loyalty.” “This is a team that has seen me grow up,” he said.

Still, Baez added that he feels no immediate pressure to get a deal done. “We’ve had several conversations….very amicable conversations where we communicated well with each other,” he said.

Baez batted .281 with 29 home runs and 85 RBIs in 2019. He made his second consecutive All-Star team.