PT TOMORROW: NL Central—Baez destined for bottom of order?
Mar 16 2021
Javier Báez’s (SS, CHC) future is far from certain in Chicago, but there’s little doubt that he will be locked into their lineup as the everyday shortstop in 2021. However, his skills declined significantly in the shortened season, highlighted by his lowest contact rate (66%) since 2014, as well as subpar xBA (.222) and xPX (87) marks. With that in mind, he’s been a divisive player in the early draft season.
Part of the calculation regarding the potential for a Báez bounceback will revolve around where he bats in the Cubs’ lineup. Entering the 2021 campaign, Báez hit fifth or lower in the team’s order for 1,366 of his 2,708 career plate appearances. However, the majority of those appearances came in 2016 and 2017, his first...
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From PT Tomorrow
The Cardinals have a deep outfield bench but Báez could make an impact. Plus more from around the NL Central.
Jun 12 2026 3:05am
Jun 12 2026 3:05am
With Colt Keith struggling, is it time for the Tigers to give Jace Jung another shot? Plus, more potential call-ups for the White Sox, SP depth in CLE, an intriguing waiver claim in KC, and a possible closer in MIN.
Jun 11 2026 3:07am
Jun 11 2026 3:07am
With Hunter Brown returning soon, Mike Burrows may be the odd man out in the rotation.
Jun 10 2026 3:05am
Jun 10 2026 3:05am
Brody Hopkins is showing control improvements in Triple-A - could it be enough to get a shot in the majors? Plus, Judge injury fallout in NYY, rotation updates in BOS and BAL, and more.
Jun 9 2026 3:05am
Jun 9 2026 3:05am
We take a tour of NL West prospects with Ryan somewhere in their names and then use team-wide stats to look at why the Padres have had success while the Giants have struggled mightily.
Jun 6 2026 8:34pm
Jun 6 2026 8:34pm
