Javier Baez has agreed to a six-year deal with the Detroit Tigers worth $140 million, per multiple reports.
SNY's Andy Martino reported on Monday night that the Mets and Baez remained far apart on price.
A reunion with Baez became less likely after the Mets signed Starling Marte, Eduardo Escobar, and Mark Canha, and followed that up by inking Max Scherzer to a three-year deal worth roughly $43 million a season.
In 47 games with New York last season after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs, Baez slashed .299/.371/.515 with nine home runs and nine doubles.
Overall in 2021, Baez hit .265/.319/.494 with 31 home runs and 18 doubles in 138 games, though his 184 strikeouts led the league.
While Baez continued to have a penchant to chase pitches outside the zone last season, his plate discipline improved with the Mets.
Baez drew 13 walks in 47 games after joining New York, nearly matching the 15 walks he drew with the Cubs in 91 games.
His strikeout rate also improved with the Mets, dropping to once every 3.15 at-bats after averaging one strikeout every 2.55 at-bats with Chicago earlier in the year.
In addition to being a difference-maker at the plate, Baez displayed his dynamic defense with the Mets, filling in for Francisco Lindor at shortstop when Lindor was injured and shifting to second base when Lindor returned.
Baez also showed off his intangibles in New York, including his elite base running skills.
Baez's time with the Mets wasn't without controversy, as it included the "thumbs down" fiasco late in the season.
However, Martino reported in October that during a team meeting following the hoopla, Baez had "a moment of accountability and leadership that not only made the meeting more productive, but helped to bond Baez and the organization to one another."
With Baez now gone, the Mets could turn to Jeff McNeil at second base or potentially add another player via trade or free agency to play third base or second base, with Escobar able to play either position.
