Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez named MLB The Show 20 cover athlete

Two-time All-Star and Chicago Cubs fan favorite Javier Baez is the newest MLB The Show cover athlete, gracing next year’s version of the best-selling game.

What an honor it is to be on the cover of MLB The Show. Chicago Cubs star Javier Baez will join the likes of Bryce Harper, Marcus Stroman, Aaron Judge, Josh Donaldson and Ken Griffey Jr as players to be displayed on the cover of the hit baseball video game.

While he is one of the best players in the league, Baez was not appointed this honor because of his stellar play alone. He earned the cover because of his likability and flare he brings every day to the field. His electricity is second to none inside the white lines and is well-deserving of the cover.

Baez explains in his most recent tweets how much it means to him and how a dream became a reality for the young superstar. I think we can all agree with Javy. This is absolutely the hottest cover in the history of sports games.

https://twitter.com/javy23baez/status/1186296080079585282

In this video, Baez talks about the first time he was in the video game. He said even though at the time, he was just a bench player on the Chicago Cubs roster, it was still an exciting moment for him.  What he likes most about being on the cover? He is excited the kids will see him on the game because he was that kid not too long ago.

As the Cubs try to bounce back from a disappointing 2019, Javier Baez will be a key piece in regaining the top spot in the NL Central. After finishing as the runner-up in National League MVP voting in 2018, the infielder turned in another impressive campaign this year.

In 138 contests, the Puerto Rican native put up a 114 wRC+ while smacking 29 home runs and driving in 85 runs. Of course, he’s far more than just an offensive presence in the Chicago lineup. It’s hard to make a case against him as the most valuable defensive player in the game today – no matter where he lines up.

That’s not to mention what he does off the field, as well. Since the Cubs’ 2019 season drew to a close Baez, the Chicago Cubs and Cubs Charities raised $100,000 in an effort to rebuild baseball fields across  his native Puerto Rico.

Rooting for a guy like Baez is very easy. He is as dynamic as baseball players come and goes out of his way to support his hometown community. A true superstar that wants to leave more than just a stat line as his legacy. Gracing the cover of next year’s MLB The Show 20 is just the next step in what will likely be an outstanding career.