Javier Baez: Super-Utility Role for Cubs in 2016?

Could Javier Baez be in line for a super-utility role for the Chicago Cubs heading into 2016?

Javier Baez presents immense upside for the Chicago Cubs heading into 2016, but his strikeout rate leaves the Cubs wanting more. Javier Baez has yet to crack the Cubs’ roster out of Spring Training; however, he spent parts of the 2014 and 2015 season in the MLB. While Baez lost his rookie eligibility in 2014, he has yet to spend a full season in the big leagues.

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2016 offers the best chance in Javier Baez’s career to crack the MLB roster out of Spring Training. The Chicago Cubs traded away Starlin Castro to the New York Yankees, and that created an opportunity for Javier Baez to have an expanded role heading into the season. Although Javier Baez’s name was heavily rumored in the trade market, the Cubs never could finalize a deal to trade the power-hitting middle infielder.

For a middle infielder, Javier Baez possesses the best power out of any up-and-coming prospect, and he has the ability to hit 25-plus home runs on a yearly basis. However, what kept him down in the minor leagues is his ability to make consistent contact, so the Cubs wanted him to work on his plate discipline and approach in 2015, which helped improve his counting stats.

At the Triple-A level in 2016, Javier Baez broke out with a .324/.385/.527 slash line in 70 games. Also, Baez cut down on his strikeout rate, falling from 30.0 percent in 2014 to 24.4 percent in 2015. With an improved approach at the plate, Javier Baez registered an amazing 144 wRC+ at Triple-A. Due to a broken finger and the passing of his sister, Baez’s time in Triple-A was prolonged, but the Cubs called him up to help in their playoff push.

In Javier Baez’s first stint in the MLB, he struck out over 40 percent of the time, which led to a .169/.227/.324 slash line. On the bright side, Baez managed to hit nine home runs, showing the type of raw power the former first round pick presents. As a member of the Cubs in 2015, Baez greatly improved at the plate, owning a .289/.325/.408 slash line. However, Javier Baez only hit one home run in 28 games.

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Javier Baez looks to make the Chicago Cubs’ opening day roster out of Spring Training this season, and 2016 offers his best chance yet. Although the Cubs traded Castro, they acquired Ben Zobrist, who should see the vast majority of his time at second base. However, Javier Baez and Ben Zobrist are similar players who have an ability to play multiple positions on the field.

Zobrist will be first on the pecking order for the Cubs, but Javier Baez should see regular playing time for the Cubs in 2016. If Zobrist starts at second base, Baez could play shortstop, third base, or the corner outfield positions. The Cubs figure to give Addison Russell the starting shortstop job for 2016, so that leaves a super-utility role for Javier Baez in the upcoming season.

As of now, the Chicago Cubs may deploy Jason Heyward in center field, which leaves Jorge Soler, Kyle Schwarber, and Javier Baez as the best options to man the corner spots. Also, any days that the regulars in the infield need a break, Javier Baez presents a more-than-capable replacement (expect first base). With players like Bryant, Russell, Baez, and Zobrist, the Chicago Cubs have a slew of players capable of playing multiple positions.

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Joe Maddon is a mastermind a manipulating lineups and moving players around, so Javier Baez should see plenty of playing time in 2016. As a former unanimous top-10 MLB prospect in 2014, Javier Baez has a chance to open eyes in 2016 and show why he was once so highly touted.

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