NY Mets lose Javy Baez, who agrees to $140M deal with Detroit Tigers, reports say

Dave Rivera, NorthJersey.com
·1 min read
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Aug 29, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets second baseman Javier Baez (23) is greeted in the dugout after hitting a two run home run in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets second baseman Javier Baez (23) is greeted in the dugout after hitting a two run home run in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets picked up a dominant starting pitcher this week, but are losing a key position player.

Free agent infielder Javy Baez is leaving Queens and headed to Detroit, as he and the Tigers are close to a completing a six-year deal worth $140 million, according to multiple reports.

Baez, a two-time All-Star, joined the Mets at the July trade deadline this past season and made his debut on July 31. He played shortstop for the Mets until Francisco Lindor returned from the injured list. Baez then moved to second base and was considered a top option for that position in 2022.

Baez had one bad moment at Citi Field in August when he gave a "thumbs down" gesture toward the hometown Mets fans who were booing the team. One game following the controversial move, Baez showed the hustle and scored the game-winning run in a bottom-of-the-ninth comeback victory over the Miami Marlins.

In 47 games with the Mets, Baez batted .299 with nine homers and 22 RBI and scored 32 runs.

Now the Mets will look to fill the spot at second base with Jeff McNeil the top in-house candidate.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets' Javy Baez signs with Detroit Tigers on 6-year, $140M deal