MLB Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Should Consider Trading Javier Baez

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By @schwick26_pete

Chicago Cubs Javier Baez

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For the next decade it appears the Chicago Cubs cannot go wrong at shortstop. They already have one of the top players at the position in Starlin Castro playing the position and have two top prospects in Javier Baez and Addison Russell fully capable of being a leader of a franchise ready to play the position, too. While all of these players have the brightest of futures, the Cubs should consider trading Baez as they look to make a playoff run.

While Baez has some of the biggest home run potential, his free-swinging ways could become an issue the more he is exposed to big league pitching. This season while playing in just 52 major league games Baez struck out 95 times. Add that to the 130 minor league strikeouts in the minor leagues and his strikeout rate is even uglier. He was often found to be overaggressive, swinging at bad pitches early in the count and falling behind. Although he is just 21-years-old this could become an issue down the road.

Another reason that the team would be wise to move Baez is what they could get in return by dealing him. His first two months in the big leagues showed that while he is raw, his power is real. He slugged nine home runs while driving in 20. He certainly has the bat to with 30 home run potential. With this kind of power Baez could bring the biggest return for the Cubs, much more than the veteran Castro or an unproven Russell.

Rumors have flown about the possibility of trading Russell, but by trading Baez, the Cubs could quickly gain some much needed pitching that can help the compete now. Theo Epstein wants to win now, and with other premium players at the position and bats like Kyle Schwarber and Kris Bryant on the way it is worth the gamble of dealing Bryant.

Pete Schwichtenberg is an MLB writer for Rantsports. Follow @schwick26_pete, Like him on Facebook, or add him to your Google Network.

 

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