Javy Báez: Show-stopping superstar
By Tab Bamford
“Javy did his Javy thing again.”
That’s been a refrain for most of the first half of the 2018 season for the Chicago Cubs, who sprinted into the break with a 2.5 game lead in the NL Central.
Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, the two most marketed Cubs players, have struggled with health issues. As they worked back into form, other Cubs have stepped up – perhaps none more than electrifying infielder Javy Báez.
In 91 games split between second base, short and third, Báez has almost matched his previous career best numbers from a year ago in every offensive category. Voted as the starting second baseman for the National League, Báez headed into the All-Star game leading the league with 72 runs batted in with 19 homers, 61 runs, 18 stolen bases and a .892 OPS.
Growing Up
In June 2011 the Cubs used the ninth overall selection in the draft on Baez, a high school shortstop from Puerto Rico by way of Florida. Soon thereafter, fans started hearing about the incredible things the teenager was capable of doing on the diamond.
But the arrival to the majors wasn’t immediate.
Báez made his debut with the Cubs in 2014, appearing in 52 games and showing flashes of brilliance. He hit nine home runs in 229 plate appearances, but struck out 95 times. His .169 average had him back in the minors to start the 2015 season.
After appearing in 28 games in 2015, Báez showed that he was ready to contribute on a regular basis.
“I knew what he was capable of since I met him,” Francisco Lindor told La Vida Baseball on Monday. “He’s been the same player. He’s just executing more consistently now. Before, he would show how good he could be for two weeks and then have two bad weeks. Now he’s really good for a month and OK for a week. I’m really happy for him.”
Lindor saw Báez up close in the 2016 World Series, which Cleveland lost to Chicago in seven incredible games. That postseason Báez emerged as the player many believed he could be. He was voted co-MVP of the National League Championship Series with Jon Lester after driving in five runs in six games.
“It’s been great to watch as a former player to watch his growth,” MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark told La Vida Baseball. “When you come up as a young kid like I did and he has you’re rough around the edges. Over the course of time you’re able to put some things together and make adjustments both offensively and defensively.”
A Classic
If the 2016 World Series was the coming out party for Báez, the World Baseball Classic the following March cemented his arrival.
As a member of “Los Rubios,” Báez was at the center of a young roster that made the game fun.
“It’s been amazing [since the WBC],” Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina told La Vida Baseball. “Javy has amazing talent; I knew it from the first time I saw him play. He’s great. It’s great to spend time with him during the WBC.”
Leading the Stars
Before 2018 Báez had been good. This season, he’s been great. Not only did he earn a starting position, but National League manager Dave Roberts will bat Báez leadoff in the Midsummer Classic.
“[Javy] is a very exciting player,” Roberts said. “I’m not going to lie, when I see that guy to my left [AL starter Chris Sale] take the mound, I want to give our guys the best chance to have success and I like Javy at the top. I like his energy, and hopefully he’ll get something started.”
Clark spoke to La Vida Baseball at length about the emergence of Báez as a superstar. And the leader of the players’ association views Báez as perhaps the hottest ticket in the game today.
“I’m happy for him. I’m happy for our game that we have him,” Clark said. “Even before he hit the ground running a couple seasons ago he was somebody I was pointing my son toward because there’s something different about how Javy approaches and plays the game. There are things he can do with the glove that are absolutely magical. It’s great now that more people are seeing his talents.
“At this point, when I know he’s on TV, Javy Báez is must-see television for a number of reasons. His passion, his skill, the things he can do both offensively and defensively – it’s pretty special to watch.”
All of the players we spoke with said it’s exciting to see Báez playing so well, but not one felt that he has reached his ceiling as a player. “El Mago” is electrifying the league and will look to build off a strong All-Star week performance into a possible MVP campaign.
Featured Image: La Vida Baseball