Chicago Cubs: No letup in series opener against Brewers

Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez is still too predictable at the plate

Javier Baez has been one of the most frustrating Cubs hitters to watch over the last two weeks. Since Aug. 16, he has just one homer. During that same span, Baez has a 78 wRC+ value, a 26.5 percent strikeout rate and a .294 wOBA, according to FanGraphs.

The hope was that Baez was finally out of his funk after he notched three hits and three RBI in the series opener against the Mets. However, Baez had just one hit over the course of the next two games, and some bad habits are resurfacing.

Baez is starting to chase the slider down and away once again, and opposing pitchers are using that to set him up for fastballs or changeups on the inner half. Indeed, Baez struck out three times on Friday, and he was too long against the fastball.

Obviously, Baez has an immense impact on Chicago’s offense. Look no further than the 2018 season for evidence. But he needs to stay through the ball and spread it around to all fields.