Despite maintaining a strong hold on the NL Central, the Chicago Cubs face significant challenges at third base. The team has cycled through players like Matt Shaw, Gage Workman, Vidal Brujan, and Jon Berti, none of whom have managed to secure the position successfully. This search for stability at the hot corner is prompting some discussions about exploring the trade market for a solution.
Enter Javier Báez, a former Cub and current player for the Detroit Tigers, who seems to be experiencing a revival season. Fans are buzzing on social media, asking if there’s a possibility of reuniting with the beloved “El Mago.” What makes Báez particularly enticing right now is his newfound versatility, taking on a Ben Zobrist-like role with the Tigers.
Since being traded to the New York Mets at the 2021 deadline and subsequently signing with Detroit, Báez has endured a tough stretch, posting OPS+ numbers that dwindled each year (91, 63, 46). However, he’s made a remarkable comeback this season, boasting an OPS+ of 119. He’s stepped up not just as a shortstop in only six games but also as a capable center fielder and third baseman.
His current slash line of .291/.330/.430 adds another layer to his appeal for Cubs fans who are eager for consistent production at third base. The possibility of bringing back a player with Báez’s dynamic skill set is something many in the Chicago fanbase are hoping for.
However, it’s crucial to remember that early May is just the beginning of the season. Báez’s resurgence raises questions about sustainability given how drastic the uptick in his performance has been.
There’s also the competitive landscape to consider; the Tigers are emerging as a serious contender, which complicates the potential of any trade. Trading away a versatile player like Báez seems unlikely for a team in pursuit of a playoff spot. Additionally, his hefty $25 million annual contract poses a hurdle, especially when accounting for his recent production levels.
For Cubs fans, while the calls to “bring him home” may grow stronger, it might actually be in the team’s best interest to see Báez struggle again. That way, the allure to re-acquire him might fade, allowing the Cubs to focus on other strategies to solidify their infield for the remainder of the season.
