Báez reiterates desire to remain a Cub: ‘I want to stay here’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
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WATCH HEREFollowing the Cubs’ postseason elimination to the Marlins last October, shortstop Javier Báez expressed his desire to remain with the club long term.
Friday, he reiterated that message.
“Obviously, I want to stay here,” Báez told reporters over Zoom. “We won here, I’ve been here 10 years now and they know what I can do.”
Báez has spent his entire big-league career with the Cubs, who selected him ninth overall in the 2011 MLB Draft. He debuted in 2015 and helped the club win its first World Series in 108 years a year later.
Báez has become a key piece to the Cubs core in recent seasons, endearing himself to Cubs fans along the way with his prowess on the plate, in the field and on the bases. In 2018, he finished second in National League MVP voting. Although he had a down 2020 at the plate, he took home his first Gold Glove Award.
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Báez is set to become a free agent after the 2021 season, part of a loaded shortstop class that also includes stars Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager and Trevor Story. He and the Cubs were discussing a contract extension in 2020 spring training, prior to MLB’s COVID-19 shutdown.
Báez said he’s open to talking with the Cubs about his future this spring, echoing comments made by team president Jed Hoyer recently. Ultimately, his desire to stay on the North Side is clear.
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SIGN UP “I want to stay here,” he said. “I don't want to play for another team.
