Chicago Cubs: Where does Javier Baez rank amongst MLB shortstops?

Following his NL MVP runner-up showing, Chicago Cubs star Javier Baez ranks among the game’s best talents. But is he now the game’s best shortstop?

Last week, more than a few Chicago Cubs fans were a bit miffed and perturbed when MLB Network released a ranking of the game’s best first basemen. Why? Their analytically-driven program, dubbed The Shredder, ranked Max Muncy ahead of Anthony Rizzo.

So, if they believe Muncy is more valuable than Rizzo, what does that mean for 2018 National League MVP runner-up Javier Baez? Thankfully, MLB Network came much closer to hitting the mark in their ranking of shortstops around the league.

Baez had an extremely favorable rating at a position he hasn’t even played for a full season in the Major Leagues, sliding into second in the rankings right behind his uber-talented countryman, Francisco Lindor.

While this ranking is no surprise to die-hard Cubs fans, the irony in this ranking is that Baez might not even be the best shortstop on his own team. This particular debate has raged amongst members of the media and fans as far back as 2015 when Starlin Castro manned the position for Chicago. To be completely honest, the debate probably still exists amongst those who haven’t jettisoned Addison Russell off the team in their minds.