Chicago Cubs: How to make Javier Báez an everyday player

Although Chicago Cubs’ infielder Javier Báez plays nearly every game, he still is not an “official” starter for the team. How could the Cubs change this and make it so Báez plays every day?

It’s safe to say Javier Báez has found a home with the Chicago Cubs.

Báez’s play this season has put to rest any lingering trade rumors involving him from last offseason. So far in 2016, Báez is hitting .275 with 13 home runs and 47 RBI.

At first glance, Baez’s numbers do not necessarily jump off the page. However, there’s a good explanation for why that is true. Although he gets more than a fair share of starts, Báez has just 327 at-bats over 109 games.

Yes, Báez has received plenty of playing time this season, just not as much as other Cubs’ regulars. For example, Kris Bryant has 478 at-bats over 123 games this season; Addison Russell has 422 at-bats over 119 games.

The reality of the situation is that Báez has received less playing time than other Cubs starters. While those players can assume they will be in the lineup every day, the same is not true for Báez.

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So what does this mean? Essentially, Báez has put together an outstanding season without knowing if he will play every day like other Cubs starters. Not only has his offense been a plus for the Cubs, but Báez’s defense has been outstanding as well.

Although he is a natural shortstop, Báez has played all over the diamond this season. Cubs Manager Joe Maddon has played him at third base, shortstop, second base, first base and left field. While some players might struggle moving around so much, Báez has made just 11 errors in 2016.

Now is the time for the Cubs give Báez a spot in the starting lineup every game. If the team decides to pursue this, there are several ways for them to go about it.

If the Cubs decide to put Báez at one position for rest of the season, one of two positions could be his: third base or second base. This option involves moving current starters Bryant and Ben Zobrist to the outfield, where they have a plethora of experience.

Yes, both Bryant and Zobrist have done fine jobs at their positions all season, so this move seems unlikely for that reason alone. Moving one of the two to the outfield would be more about how well Báez has played in the infield though, not what they’ve done poorly.

Obviously, it makes less sense to move one player from his established position to accommodate another. With that being said, if Báez is going to receive a full-time starting role with the Cubs, things will have to remain status quo.

Basically, Báez can be an everyday starter for the Cubs without any major changes taking place. The team can continue to move him around multiple positions, just making it so he is in the lineup every game. He can play third base one game where Bryant plays outfield, or second base when Zobrist is in the outfield.

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Not only would those situations work for Báez, but he also can play third base, second base, shortstop or outfield on days that the “regular” starter has the day off. No matter what the situation is, Báez should have a starting job every game, just at a different position.

No matter where he plays, Báez has proven that he not only worthy of a starting job with the Cubs. But also can’t be traded because of how versatile of a player he has become. While anything clearly can happen, moving a versatile guy like Báez would be a huge mistake.

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