Baez wants to stay with Cubs, will 'probably' set extension deadline

If the Chicago Cubs want to retain Javier Baez beyond 2021, they may have to act sooner rather than later.

The two-time All-Star is eligible for free agency following the upcoming campaign. While Baez wants to remain in Chicago, he'll "probably" set a deadline on extension talks in spring training so that it doesn't serve as a distraction during the season, according to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.

"Obviously, I want to stay here," Baez said. "I don't want to play for another team."

If Baez does hit free agency, the 28-year-old will be part of a loaded class of shortstops on the market, with Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Trevor Story, and Marcus Semien also slated to be available.

Potentially giving him an edge over his peers, Baez earned a Silver Slugger at second base during the 2018 season, when he also finished as runner-up for MVP after leading the National League with 111 RBIs.

Baez owns a career .264/.304/.473 slash line but is coming off one of his worst seasons at the plate, posting a .599 OPS with eight homers and three steals over 59 games in the pandemic-shortened campaign.

The Cubs have been cutting costs this winter, trading away NL Cy Young runner-up Yu Darvish and non-tendering Kyle Schwarber, which allowed the outfielder to leave via free agency.