As it stands currently, the Chicago Cubs have one of the best young offensive cores in the league. From Kris Bryant to Jorge Soler to Anthony Rizzo, offensive punch shouldn’t be a problem in the Windy City. Though there might be growing concern regarding one of the Cubs’ best prospects in Javier Baez.
That’s the word from Jon Morosi of Fox Sports who says Baez’s continued struggles at the plate have become worrisome. His defense isn’t leaving anybody enamored either.
Baez, 22, struck out 21 times in 43 at-bats for Santurce during the Liga de Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente regular season, and his performance has regressed further in the playoffs. Through two games of the Puerto Rican championship series, Baez is 0 for 9 with six strikeouts and has been dropped from second to seventh in the batting order. He also committed two throwing errors in Game 1 and a fielding error in Game 2.
In what Morosi seems to hint is a case of raw talent not being refined, Javier Baez can look so good at times while moments later looks as if he’s never played a game of baseball in his life.
Like many young international prospects, he certainly has his warts and will experience some hefty struggles, though I’m not sure if it’s time to pull him from the Chicago Cubs roster yet. Give him some time this season and then send him back down to the minors if he’s slow to adjust.
