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
Chandler Simpson's wheels were slowed during the speedster's lengthy stolen base drought, but he's now showing signs of breaking past his slump and helping his case to stick in Tampa Bay's lineup. Plus, more from around the AL East.
Jul 7 2026 3:05am
Jul 7 2026 3:05am
As the Mets shake things up, new opportunities for playing time will reveal themselves. Plus: 1B in WAS; SS in ATL; SP in MIA; Nola in PHI; more.
Jul 6 2026 9:00am
Jul 6 2026 9:00am
This week, we take a close look at Kyle Karros's impressive June, check in on a catching prospect in San Fran, and welcome back a few old friends.
Jul 4 2026 3:06am
Jul 4 2026 3:06am
The Reds may use a six-man rotation when Greene returns
Jul 3 2026 3:05am
Jul 3 2026 3:05am
Josh Lowe has returned from AAA and appears to be ready to take over the CF job in Anaheim.
Jul 1 2026 3:07am
Jul 1 2026 3:07am
