Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez continues to press at the plate
An impending foray into free agency can hit players in different ways. For some, it is a journey to look forward to, one that helps to fuel a strong season before entering the market. For others, it is a stressful time of uncertainty, where the player begins to press and struggles. In the case of Chicago Cubs infielder Javier Baez, his impending free agency appears to be triggering the latter reaction.
Baez’s struggles have been evident in more than his production. He is simply not making contact on virtually anything thrown his way.
Javier Baez has swung and missed at 61 of the 226 pitches he’s been thrown this year.
— Jeremy Frank (@MLBRandomStats) April 19, 2021
Javier Baez pressing in potential final season with Chicago Cubs
Those swing and miss issues have certainly affected Baez’s production at the plate. He had produced a .214/.267/.464 batting line in his 60 plate appearances, hitting four homers and stealing a league leading five bases. His 100 OPS+ and solid home run and stolen base numbers are a positive.
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But that is about the only positive for Baez offensively. He has drawn just one walk this season, striking out 27 times. If he had not been hit by a pitch thrice to begin the season, his numbers would look even worse.
Baez has been vocal about his desire to remain with the Cubs. He has gone out of his way to state that he wants to be a long term part of the team, but there has not been a lot of news in regards to current discussions. The Cubs had reportedly offered Baez an extension worth approximately $180 million after the 2019 season, but that had been turned down.
Oddly, these struggles could help Baez in his desire to remain in Chicago. While many of the top shortstops in the game are slated to reach free agency this offseason, the Cubs may not be ready to spend at the top of the market. Baez would not only be a known commodity, but he would also be cheaper than some of the other options, allowing the Cubs to look to upgrade their roster in different areas.
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Javier Baez is slated to reach free agency at the end of the season. The idea of going on the market may be why the Chicago Cubs infielder is pressing at the plate.