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#1. Javier Baez
Like Schwarber, Javier Baez is a fan-favorite among the North Side-faithful. Last season saw Baez taking strides to improve his game, slashing .273/.314/.423 in 450 plate appearances. Baez is tricky, because he tends to be a bit streaky. He’ll go through stretches where he’s totally dominant at the plate, but he’ll also have periods where he couldn’t hit a watermelon if it was being hurled at him.
Like a lot of young players (Baez is only 24), Baez sometimes tries to do too much. As we’ve seen, he’s got a powerful swing, and sometimes he swings out of his shoes. This is where Baez can improve. Not trying to do everything all at once, taking walks when they’re given. His Achilles’ heel thus far has been the curveball, which many pitchers used to strike him out.
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ZiPS‘ 2017 projections actually have Baez regressing quite a bit with an OBP of .303. While Baez certainly could take a step backwards, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him progress as a hitter, either.
Searching for a role
Baez may get even more playing time than he received last year. Though Ben Zobrist would prefer to stay at second base, he may end up getting significant outfield time in order get more starts for Baez. Just like Zobrist, Baez has developed into a utility player, having played second base, shortstop, third base, first base and left field.
His primary destination, however, will continue to be second base. The duo of Baez and Russell in the middle infield was lethal defensively last season. That’s a tandem the Cubs will want to use more often. Like a lot of the players on this Cubs team, Baez can flash the leather. On a daily basis, he’s one of the most entertaining players in all of baseball. In 2016, he was worth 2.0 dWAR.
With experience under his belt, good players hitting around him and added playing time, this could be the year Baez begins to really flourish. If he can significantly improve his plate discipline, he’s a five-tool player in 2017.