Baez Signs With the Tigers, CBA Negotiations Progress, Cubs' Lack of Moves, and Other Cubs Tidbits

 

Who didn't like to see El Magos' "magic" with the Cubs? Yes, he struck out a lot, and made tons of errors in 2021, but I think the success and entertainment provided by Baez outweighed it. It was already an almost sure thing that Baez would not be coming back to the Cubs, but yesterday's news put the nail in the coffin.

Javier Baez has 6-year, $140M deal with Tigers @jonmorosi and @Feinsand 1st

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 30, 2021

Hey, I'm glad he didn't sign with the Cardinals or something like that, and with the Tigers almost ready for competing, I think it's a pretty good fit. So, I wish the best of luck to Javy, and look forward to seeing him in a Tigers jersey.

Now, you may be wondering how the CBA negotiations are coming. To that, I answer: Happy Lockout everybody! In other words, an agreement will not be made before Dec.1st at midnight. Jon Heyman confirmed that, saying that a lockout is inevitable. So...that means all baseball negotiations, such as trades, signings, even the use of facilities cannot happen. A work stoppage. Don't ask for my opinions, because I don't like it.

Both sides have met recently in Dallas, and while very, very little was accomplished, there was a playoff proposal that I'll explain.

• The playoffs would be expanded to 14 teams, 7 in each league. Right now, it is 10 teams total, so now only 16 teams would not be making the playoffs. That would increase a team's chance to reach the playoffs, as about half of all teams would be making the playoffs.
• The No.1 seed would get a bye. In a way, I like this idea, because it would create more competition for the No.1 seed in each division. 
• The winners of the other two divisions would pick their opponent for the Wild Card. That means, the winner of NL Central could pick the weakest team in the Wild Card to face them. 
• The two un-picked teams would face off against each other. So, say the Phillies and Padres were unpicked, they would play each other in a three-game wild card. Kind of weird setup.

And another thing they proposed was a lottery draft for the first three spots. So, all non-playoff teams would get a chance at this random drawing for the first three spots. Let's imagine the Cubs finished 19th overall, and while they wouldn't get in the first three spots for the draft, if they got picked in the lottery, they could potentially get a first pick. And then, all the rest of the draft would go on as normal.

So, some interesting ideas, but not ideas I necessary like. It seems more chance in this format, although there is more pressure to win the division and get the No.1 seed.

When I started writing this article, the Cubs had not yet signed Gomes, but since they did, I can't say the Cubs haven't signed any free agents. However, one free agent signing (and a position much in need) does not fill all the open spots, and it probably can't happen before the lockout.

So, I suppose the Cubs have made the decision to wait on most of the signings, and probably discuss with agents, etc., during the lockout. That in itself is not necessarily a bad decision, seeing it gives them more time for analysis and discussion, but it would be beneficial to sign free agents before the lockout so they can plan and when there would be a bigger selection. Oh well.

An interesting tweet by Michael Hermosillo's agent:

 

FREE AGENT ALERT! I can CONFIDENTLY state Michael Hermosillo is a 5-tool impact player that has not had an opportunity for consistent play. GIVEN THE TRUE OPP HE WILL SHIIIIINE!!! #mlb #FreeAgent https://t.co/btR0sVwhzN pic.twitter.com/RQhj0yrGLL

— SMPLonnie (@SMPLonnie) November 30, 2021

Seems like the Cubs will be non-tendering Hermosillo. I get it and also don't like it all at the same time. He has potential, and he knows he is capable of more. However, with the young outfielders coming up, and the ones they have now, it would be hard to have a guy like Hermosillo playing outfield and end up not doing well, while others that would do well have to sit on the sidelines. 

Also, a couple Cubs rumors to chew on:

• Cubs rumored to be in on Bryant, along with Giants, Phillies, Rangers and Mets. Not sure if this rumor is entirely true, but it is interesting and I like the idea of Bryant coming back.
• Correa said he was "open to a rebuild". The Cubs aren't exactly rebuilding, more like restructuring, but it fits what Correa seems to want. Still room to hope? Maybe.