The Báez and Crow-Armstrong Deal: Cubs ‘Profit Big’ but Mets Still Hold Their Heads High, the Strange Farewell Makes Everyone Nod Their Heads

A Trade That Keeps Sparking Debate

Few trades in recent MLB history have remained as fascinating as the 2021 deadline deal that sent Javier Báez to the New York Mets in exchange for top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong. What seemed at first like a typical win-now move has aged into a textbook example of how two teams can walk away with very different, yet oddly satisfying results.

Today, with Crow-Armstrong emerging as a future star in Chicago and Báez’s Mets stint remembered as brief but electric, the trade is being re-evaluated in a new light.

Cubs Reap Long-Term Rewards

For the Cubs, this trade has turned into a clear long-term victory. Pete Crow-Armstrong has developed into one of the brightest young talents in the league. His defensive prowess in center field, combined with a growing offensive game, has made him a cornerstone of Chicago’s rebuilding plans.

Analysts praise the Cubs’ foresight.
“They flipped a rental player for a potential Gold Glove-caliber outfielder with All-Star upside. That is how smart franchises build sustainable success,” said one MLB insider.

The Cubs’ front office, patient and methodical, is seeing their gamble pay off.

Mets Still Stand Tall Despite Short-Term Loss

On paper, the Mets “lost” the trade. Báez played only 47 games in New York before departing in free agency. However, those 47 games were unforgettable. His infectious energy, clutch hitting, and polarizing thumbs-down saga made his time in Queens a rollercoaster ride that fans still talk about today.

Báez brought immediate spark to a team desperately trying to stay in the playoff race. While the Mets fell short, the intensity and drama of that stretch run is still fondly remembered.
“For a moment, he gave us hope and passion. Sometimes that’s worth more than stats,” one Mets fan reflected.

The Farewell That Made Everyone Smile

Perhaps the most unique aspect of this trade is how both sides parted ways. Báez’s departure was free of bitterness. Despite the infamous “booing incident,” he left with a respectful nod to the fans, acknowledging both the highs and lows.

Crow-Armstrong, on the other hand, has often spoken highly of his brief time in the Mets’ organization, showing gratitude for the opportunity before embracing his future with the Cubs.

It is rare for a high-profile trade to end with such mutual respect — an ending that has left even critics nodding in approval.

A Trade With No Villains, Only Lessons

In a league often obsessed with clear winners and losers, the Báez-Crow-Armstrong trade is a refreshing reminder that not all deals have to be black and white. The Cubs got their building block. The Mets got their jolt of excitement, even if short-lived.

It is a trade that tells a deeper story about timing, team needs, and the unpredictable nature of baseball narratives.

Conclusion: A Strange but Satisfying Chapter in MLB History

Years later, fans of both franchises can look back at this trade and feel satisfied for different reasons. The Cubs see a young star blossoming. The Mets remember an unforgettable ride with a passionate player who, for better or worse, wore his heart on his sleeve.

It is not often that a trade leaves both teams nodding their heads — but this one did.