Maria Baez is Danny Reagan’s best bet for a series-ending romance in Blue Bloods, even though he doesn’t deserve her. Although Danny is one of Blue Bloods’ best characters, he often caused unnecessary problems in his marriage to Linda during the first seven years of the show because of his hotheadness, stubbornness, and overprotectiveness. Linda died off-screen between seasons 7 and 8, and Danny has been grieving the loss ever since, though in season 14 he decided he was ready to date again after realizing he was holding back out of fear of suffering another devastating loss.
Although Danny has not dated anyone significant since Linda’s death, he has worked closely with Maria Baez since season 4, and in recent seasons their interactions have sometimes implied deeper feelings for one another. Since Blue Bloods only has eight episodes left before it ends permanently, there is little time remaining for Danny to enter a new romantic relationship; however, romance is possible between him and Baez even though she is better than he deserves, considering the way he treated Linda when she was alive.
Why It’s Difficult To Find Danny A Love Interest After Linda Died
Danny’s Grief Is Not The Only Issue
Linda’s death wasn’t just a personal tragedy for Danny Reagan — it marked a profound turning point in every facet of his life. The loss shattered his emotional foundation, robbed him of his closest confidante, and left a void in both his heart and his home. For six long years, Danny has quietly carried the weight of his grief, mourning not only the woman he loved but the life they built together — a life filled with chaos, laughter, and an unspoken bond that anchored him even in the most turbulent storms.
More than just his wife, Linda was Danny’s moral compass, his steadying force. She had a rare ability to meet his fire with grace and push back without fear. When Danny acted on impulse which he often did Linda didn’t back down. She stood her ground, demanding respect, and refused to let him bulldoze over her opinions. Their relationship thrived on that balance: fierce love, passionate disagreements, and unwavering loyalty. It wasn’t always easy, but it was real and it worked.
In the years since her passing, Danny has evolved. The once hot-headed detective has softened at the edges, mellowed with time and sorrow. But the one part of his life that’s remained untouched is his romantic future. He hasn’t dated seriously, hasn’t opened himself up to the possibility of a new chapter. In some ways, he seems frozen in time caught between honoring Linda’s memory and fearing what might come next.
There’s also a quieter, more complex struggle at play. Danny’s loyalty to Linda runs deep, and though she’s no longer physically present, her presence lingers in everything he does in the way he parents their sons, in the memories he holds onto, and in the silence that fills the spaces she once lit up. That kind of devotion, while admirable, can also be a barrier. Anyone new who comes into Danny’s life would not only have to build a relationship with him, but also find a way to coexist with the ghost of a woman he still deeply loves.
For a potential partner, this could be daunting. There’s the risk of feeling like a second choice, of being constantly measured against an idealized memory. Even if Danny’s heart is open to love again, his grief — unresolved and ever-present casts a long shadow. Until he fully reckons with that grief, he may struggle to give someone new the emotional space they deserve.
So while fans continue to root for Danny to find happiness again — often pointing to the undeniable chemistry between him and his partner, Maria Baez — it’s important to recognize just how heavy the emotional baggage is that he carries. He may be ready for companionship, but real love, deep love the kind that builds a future will require him to do the hardest thing of all: let go of the past without forgetting it.
And that’s a journey Danny hasn’t quite completed. Not yet.
Baez Is Danny’s Best Shot At Finding Love Again Before Blue Bloods Ends
The Two Have A Close Relationship That Works Well
The main reason that Baez and Danny work well as a romantic couple is also their weakest point. They met on the job and have been work partners for several years, so they grew close because they were forced to. Additionally, a love story for them would mirror Blue Bloods’ Jamie and Eddie getting together after several years, so it might seem redundant. However, there is more depth to Danny and Baez’s relationship than simply working together, which is why they make sense as a romantic couple.
There are several endings for Blue Bloods that would be a satisfying way to wrap up the beloved police procedural and family drama’s final episode.
Baez is similar to Linda in that she knows how to handle it when Danny wants to be disrespectful, impulsive, or otherwise unpleasant. For example, she stood up to him when he sat outside her house all night to watch for Sam Evans instead of telling her that she was in danger. Baez made it clear that it was unacceptable to her for him to act as her savior rather than telling her important information related to her safety.
Baez also looks out for Danny, sometimes anticipating unnecessary risks he’s about to take or accompanying him to ensure his safety when he doesn’t want her to. This demonstrates not only that she cares about him but that she knows him extremely well. She and Danny have been in several life-threatening situations together, which have motivated her to admit that she has deep feelings for Danny.
She knew him before Linda died and understands how important his late wife was to him.
Additionally, Baez would likely not feel threatened by Danny’s memories of Linda. She knew him before Linda died and understands how important his late wife was to him. She also had a similar experience when her brother, Javier, was killed, so she can relate to his grief. This shared experience provides a stronger foundation than if Danny were to meet someone new, as Baez and Danny can build on their years of shared knowledge.
Why Danny Is A Suitable Love Interest For Bae
She Brings Out A Softer Side In Him
Although Danny can still be overprotective, controlling, or impulsive, he’s more mellow than he used to be. Furthermore, Baez tends to bring out a softer side to Danny. He is genuinely concerned about her well-being and especially enjoys helping her with her infant daughter.
His protectiveness of her comes from genuine concern, and if he could learn to balance that with respect for her ability to take care of herself, they would be a strong couple.
Baez has been an occasional participant in the Reagan family dinners in Blue Bloods, and she fits in well with them. She also helps influence Danny for the better. He’s calmer and more likable when he’s around her, and she’s able to intervene in his worst habits. For these reasons, Baez is his best choice for a new romantic partner in Blue Bloods even though he hasn’t proven himself to be worthy of any new romantic relationship.
