Zack Scott, formerly the assistant GM for the Red Sox, served as the New York Mets’ acting general manager from January 2021 to September 2021.
One major trade he made during that time has since backfired, and Scott recently addressed it, trying to explain his decision to send Pete Crow-Armstrong to the Cubs in exchange for Javier Báez and Trevor Williams at the trade deadline.
Former Mets GM Admits Regret Over Letting Pete Crow-Armstrong Go
At the 2021 trade deadline, the Mets traded Crow-Armstrong to the Cubs for Báez and Williams. At the time, it didn’t raise many concerns in New York. Crow-Armstrong was a 19-year-old prospect recovering from a shoulder injury. Báez was an established star, and Williams offered solid pitching depth.
Now in 2025, while Báez has shown flashes of his old MVP form with the Detroit Tigers, it’s clear the Mets misjudged “PCA.”
On Baseball Night in New York, @ZackScottSports explains his thought process in trading Pete Crow-Armstrong for Javier Baez in 2021:
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— SNY (@SNYtv)
During an appearance on SNY’s “Baseball Night in New York,” Scott spoke about the deal.
“I think people forget that we were in first place and wanted to boost our lineup,” he said. “We had a lot of injuries that year, and we thought Báez was a great fit. We also got Williams, who was outstanding during his time with the Mets.”
Scott also admitted his bias.
“Coming from Boston, we were not particularly high on Pete Crow-Armstrong in the draft, so I had a bias there. While we admired his defense, makeup, and speed, the concern for us was his bat. However, I didn’t see this level of power, and I talked to a lot of people who felt similarly. To his credit, he has really emerged.”
He wrapped up the interview with a regretful laugh: “He pretty much started to take off right after the trade, and has become a really good player.”
Since the deal, Crow-Armstrong has grown into a rising star. In 2025, he has 38 RBIs and a .891 OPS while anchoring the Cubs’ outfield with his defense.
Báez finished out the 2021 season with the Mets before signing with the Tigers, where he still plays. Though he’s improved recently — batting .300 — advanced metrics suggest his numbers might be boosted by favorable matchups and a high BABIP, pointing to possible regression.
Williams made 10 appearances for the Mets, posting a 3.06 ERA, before joining the Nationals after the season. Even without Crow-Armstrong, the Mets have built a contending roster. But pairing him with Pete Alonso would have been exciting for fans.
The Tigers, meanwhile, look like real contenders again, and Báez — known as “El Mago” — has another shot at a World Series run.
As for Williams, he and the young Nationals are 21-27 and still trying to find their footing in a competitive National League East.
Looking back, the trade feels lopsided. With both players the Mets acquired gone after one season, and Crow-Armstrong turning into a homegrown star for the Cubs, the deal remains a tough one to justify.