Chicago Cubs: Passing the super utility man torch to Javier Baez

Javier Baez has seen the best and worst since debuting with the Chicago Cubs. As he begins the 2018 campaign, he’ll do so prepared to walk with a torch once carried by teammate Ben Zobrist.

Prior to the 2016 MLB season, the Chicago Cubs signed veteran utility man Ben Zobrist to a four-year deal. Thus far, the deal looks a little too lengthy. Zobrist struggled to stay healthy last year and didn’t perform too well when he did feel good. For the first time in years, he was not the superb, reliable bat his managers knew.

Fortunately, there’s no reason to regret the contract. Zobrist was key to winning the 2016 World Series. He proved this by taking home the series MVP Award.

Just one year later, though, the decline arrived. Prepared to turn 37 this spring, Zobrist is likely headed toward a further downward spiral on the field. Father time has apparently caught up.

For the Cubs’ sake, this means two years of overpaying a guy responsible for helping them end a prolonged drought. It is what it is.

Luckily, they have Javier Baez to take the torch from Zobrist. The 25-year-old has spent a decade less on this planet. Over the next two years, he needs to learn everything he can from “Zorilla.”

Javier Baez’s importance to the Chicago Cubs

A man without a position, Javier Baez has spent the majority of his MLB career playing up the middle. He has started 124 games at second base and 120 at shortstop. A few times he even took over at the hot corner and logged some innings at other positions as well. There’s no reason to believe manager Joe Maddon will let Baez dig his heels in at any specific position. The flexibility he provides on defense is a weapon the Cubs covet.

In a similar vein as Ben Zobrist early in his career, Baez is a good defender. His athleticism allows the opportunity to make amazing plays regardless of his position at the time. Because of this, he’s invaluable to the Chicago Cubs.

How will the Chicago Cubs use Javier Baez?

Eventually, Javier Baez may need to focus on one position. His bat is beginning to catch up. For the past two seasons, Baez has finished the year with a .273 batting average. His power production is also increasing, reaching 23 home runs last year in 508 trips to the plate.

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Getting Baez regular at-bats is still difficult with the way the roster shapes up. Addison Russell is their starting shortstop, and Kris Bryant will remain at third base forever. Left fielder Kyle Schwarber does look like a potential trade piece but would need to recollect value he lost last year before anything happens.

Second base looks like the best place for Baez right now except for the fact that it’s Zobrist’s position. The latter could always move to the outfield. Again, things are crowded with Schwarber in left field, Albert Almora in center field, and Jason Heyward in right field.

As a right-handed hitter, it’s possible we see Baez play second base often against left-handed pitchers with Zobrist moving to left field. Schwarber has yet to earn his keep as an everyday player. To make the most of Baez, it’s important to get him regular at-bats.

We could also see Heyward occasionally sit against lefties, too. His production at the plate is often absent. The fact that the Cubs will also need to provide youngster Ian Happ with opportunities is yet another consideration.

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Whatever it is the Chicago Cubs decide to do, Baez is in line to become a wonderfully versatile big league player for years to come. Maddon handled Zobrist well for years with the Tampa Bay Rays. Evidently, he knows what to do with Baez.

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