Baez being Baez
There is no questioning the defensive ability of one Javier Baez. The amazing tags on a runner trying to steal are well documented. His range on the diamond is one of the best in the league. And he can turn a double-play quicker than you can blink.
In the Chicago Cubs series opener against the Washington Nationals on June 26, Baez was on display again. But this time, it was not tags or double-plays. It was his reflexes and speed.
On two separate plays, Baez flashed not only his leather but his feet. The line drive hit off the bat of Bryce Harper was screaming. Baez made an absurd catch, silencing any hopes of a rally.
Later in the game, Adam Lind pop a ball up into foul territory. Baez sprinted, slid, and made another ridiculous catch. Covering 132 feet of space and sliding into the wall was no problem for Javier Baez.