Would the Chicago Cubs ever demote Javier Báez to Triple-A Iowa?

The Chicago Cubs’ Javier Báez has looked overmatched at the plate at times to start the 2017 season. Are his struggles cause for demotion to the minor leagues?

Before reading this piece, take a deep breath, Chicago Cubs fans. Javier Báez is not going anywhere anytime soon. Consider this your trigger warning, however.

Báez’s career has had its fair share of ups and downs since he made his MLB debut in 2014. That season, he struck out a whopping 95 times in just 213 at-bats; just two seasons later, he hit .273 in 421 at-bats with just 108 strike outs.

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During the 2016 postseason, Báez went from winning the NLCS MVP award to going ice-cold in the World Series. In six games against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Báez hit .318 with four strikeouts in 22 at-bats. In the World Series, he hit .167 with 13 strikeouts in 30 at-bats.

Fast forward to 2017, where Báez’s World Series struggles have somewhat lingered through the first month of the season. Through 18 games, Báez is hitting just .218; he has struck out 20 times in 56 at-bats.

Last season, Báez’s OBP was .314 and his OPS was .737; this season, those numbers have dropped to just .274 and .631 thus far, respectively. With that being said, could a demotion to Triple-A Iowa benefit the young infielder in any way?

Demotion could bring more cons than pros

While a demotion to the minor leagues would be tough, it could do Báez some good at the same time. Before going 2-for-5 on Wednesday night, Báez went 0-for-4 three out of his previous four games.

A minor league stint could give Báez a chance to fix any kinks that exist in his swing right now. At the same time, though, a demotion could be bad for him. While he has struggled this season, demoting him could cause him to get into his own head more than ever.

If the Cubs were to demote Báez, they have enough depth to make up for it. In addition to the plethora of talent on their current roster, the team has infielder Tommy La Stella stashed in Triple-A. Truly, the Cubs could flip-flop the two until Báez works out any issues that possibly exist in his game.

Because of his glove alone, Báez most likely will never get demoted to Triple-A Iowa. At a time when his bat is struggling, he still offers game-changing defense when in the lineup. By allowing him to work through his struggles at the plate, the Cubs do not lose a Gold Glove-caliber player.

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Before overreacting to this and getting upset, just remember: Báez is not going anywhere. To me, though, the situation is at least good food for thought. All in all, though the Cubs might need to take a closer look at Báez if he continues to struggle.