What a Cubs-Javier Baez Contract Extension Would Look Like

If there's one core piece that the Chicago Cubs have shown incentive to sign to a contract extension, it's shortstop Javier Baez. The franchise has Baez under its control for one more season as 2021 will mark the final season of arbitration before he's eligible to hit free agency the following year.

Though the coronavirus pandemic has reportedly stalled negotiations, Cubs fans will be pleased to know that the team is at least interested in extending the two-time All-Star. Letting him walk would be nonsensical, and Chicago should look to get an agreement signed and sealed as soon as humanly possible.

Now, however, it's time for the million dollar question: what should a contract extension for Baez look like?

At 27 years old, Baez has established himself as one of the most electrifying two-way players in the sport. He finished second in NL MVP voting in 2018 and followed that up with a sublime campaign last season, during which he hit .281 with 29 home runs, 85 RBI and an .847 OPS. Per baseball reference, he's already accounted for 16.8 wins above replacement. We could continue, but the fact is that the former NLCS MVP has earned a significant promotion.

The way we see it, Chicago should fork over a six-year $200 million offer. This deal would give him the edge over fellow star shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who inked a six-year, $120 million extension with the Boston Red Sox last offseason.

The Cubs rank fourth in projected payroll for the 2020 season at $187 million, so it makes sense why they want to get a Baez extension over and done with. The Puerto Rico native wants to remain in the Windy City and this deal should make that happen.