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
Ben Williamson is currently the projected third baseman for the Mariners, but a shakeup may be needed.
Jan 20 2026 3:01am
Jan 20 2026 3:01am
Chicago signed Bregman to a 5-year/$175 million deal, how does it impact their roster?
Jan 15 2026 3:09am
Jan 15 2026 3:09am
Coby Mayo (pictured) and Ryan Mountcastle have been squeezed from regular reps in BAL, while Triston Casas is in a similar spot in BOS; plus, more offseason fallout from the AL East.
Jan 13 2026 3:01am
Jan 13 2026 3:01am
At the moment, Grant Taylor and Jordan Leasure would seem to have the inside track to Southside saves. Plus other post-Winter Meetings notes from around the AL Central.
Dec 19 2025 3:04am
Dec 19 2025 3:04am
Keller? Kittredge? It's all about the K's in the late innings in Chicago.
Sep 13 2025 3:06am
Sep 13 2025 3:06am
