Francisco Lindor is jumping for joy after the Mets traded for Cubs infielder Javier Baez.
The Mets’ star shortstop took to his Instagram story, posting a celebratory “hell yeah!” to commemorate the trade.
Lindor – who signed a 10-year, $341 million contract extension with the Mets that begins in 2022 after being acquired from Cleveland – played with Baez on Puerto Rico at the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Baez expressed his interest in joining the Mets Tuesday in an interview with Mega 106.9 FM.
“If I go to the free agency, I would like to play with [Lindor],” Baez said. “I loved playing with him in the World (Baseball) Classic. It is the only option I would take to play second base if it is to play with him, otherwise I stay playing at shortstop.”
There was a lot of action at Citi Field Friday afternoon as news of the trade was uncovered.
Lindor, Mets closer Edwin Diaz and others were hugging, shouting and laughing. Mets general manager Zack Scott walked onto the field to have a one-on-one conversation with Lindor, presumably about the trade.
Baez is batting .248 with 22 home runs, 13 stolen bases and 65 RBIs in 91 games this season. The Mets could deploy an infield of Pete Alonso (1B), Baez (2B), Lindor (SS) and Jeff McNeil (3B) when Lindor returns from his right oblique strain.