Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez could be a long-term piece

Yes. End of the article?

C’mon, I can’t make it that easy for you.  I have to give Javy Baez’s stats and the overall context of the situation and then about 886 words later I’ll arrive at that same conclusion.

Up until this season, Javy Baez has been in countless trade rumors involving the Cubs trying to get a starter.  Now those rumors about the Cubs getting a pitcher haven’t died down, but Baez’s name doesn’t seem come up anymore.

Maybe it’s because he’s on the highlight real seemingly every night.  Or maybe it’s because he’s become a more disciplined hitter and cut down on strikeouts significantly.

One thing is for certain, he has found his way into Joe’s lineup card over the past two years.  Last season Baez played in 142 games, crushing his previous career high of 52 games back in 2014.

Year-to-date, Baez has played in 69 of the Cubs 79 games.  He has certainly picked up some responsibility at shortstop with the whole Addison Russell situation.

However, the question still remains: Is Javier Baez crucial to the Cubs long-term future?