Baez thinks Lindor's big deal will help other shortstops

Javy Baez and Francisco Lindor have plenty in common.

Both shortstops from Puerto Rico, late 20s, multiple all-star appearances, finished top five in MVP voting and appeared in a World Series.

Both players were headed for free agency this winter, but Lindor is now locked up. He signed a 10-year, $341 million extension with the New York Mets, reportedly the third-largest contract in baseball history.

So what does that mean for Baez? Hard to tell, but it's true that the Cubs were in cost-cutting mode last winter and there are only so many $300-million contracts to go around in MLB.

"I think it helps everybody," Baez said before Monday's game against Milwaukee. "I think it helps other free-agent shortstops. No one was going to get more than Lindor, and you've got to be honest about it. So I think he opens the door for a lot of people here."

Baez has made it clear he wants to stay with the Cubs. But Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant have said that too, and the club has yet to re-sign any of them. Baez didn't make any definitive statements about setting a deadline to cut off negotiations, other than suggest the Cubs and his agent are still talking.

"I'm counting to be here next year, so I've got no pressure on that," he said. "We'll see what happens. They're talking and I'll leave that up to them."

Baez was asked about the Cubs being a big-market, high-payroll team that should be expected to compete with the Mets for the best players.

"They don't have to act the same," Baez said. "They've both got a plan; they've got different plans and different persons (owners). I know they want the best for their teams."

Baez chooses vaccine

Major-league teams that reach a COVID vaccination level of 85% will be allowed to ease some restrictions, according to multiple reports.

Those relaxed rules include players and team personnel being able to gather indoors without wearing masks, dine at restaurants, have vaccinated family members join them on the road, and opt out of some COVID testing.

Asked if the Cubs will hit the 85 percent level, manager David Ross wasn't sure. But Javy Baez told reporters on a pregame Zoom he did choose to get the vaccine.

"I decided to get it with my family," he said. "It's optional. A lot of people believe in it, a lot of people don't believe in it. I think a lot of people should try it and obviously we want the best for everybody. I had my first shot, so we'll see how it goes to the second one."

Ross shuffles OF

David Ross' starting lineup Monday seemed a little outside the box.

Matt Duffy was given his first start as a Cub at third base. And with left-hander Brett Anderson starting for Milwaukee, Kris Bryant went to right field, Ian Happ shifted to left and Jake Marisnick started in center.

"I want guys to feel comfortable," Ross said before the game. "I think Happer probably feels a little more comfortable in left. He's got a few more reps out there and KB's got more in right. I think it lined up with their preference, our preference and what our projections said."