Chicago Cubs: The best bench for Cubs in 2017 is not what you think

Javier Baez

I will be the first to admit it. After all Baez did during the postseason, it is difficult to put him on the bench. But between him, Ben Zobrist, and Kyle Schwarber, the decision on whom to play is a bit easier. Zobrist’s bat deserves to be in the line-up as often as possible. He understands and executes situational baseball better than any player on the Chicago Cubs. Maybe better than anyone in the MLB.

The choice then comes down to Baez and Schwarber. While the strikeout percentage was lower in 2016, Baez still leaves the plate with a bat on his shoulders 24% of the time. Only 3.3% of his plate appearances end in walks. On the other hand, Schwarber walks 13.2% of the time, while strikes out 28.2% of the time. If Maddon where to choose a superior defense over offense, Zobrist would play left and Baez would be at second. Like we saw in the playoffs. However, the regular season requires offensive consistency over defense. And Kyle is better at getting on base and crushing the ball.

Baez is also versatile. The team will find a way to use him and get him at-bats. On any other team, he would be the starting All-Star, Gold Glove second basemen. Right now, he is a Chicago Cub.