Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez leads star-studded 2021-22 shortstop FA class

The 2021-22 free agent class is loaded with talent at the shortstop position, headlined by Chicago Cubs superstar and fan favorite Javier Baez.

Looking ahead to the future, changes are coming for the Chicago Cubs. We’re in the final years of seeing the same core group of players that helped bring a World Series title to the North Side take the field in Cubbie blue, whether we like it or not.

In the next two years, the following guys could hit the open market: Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber, Jon Lester and Javier Baez. Now, some of those have more long-term appeal than others for obvious reasons. It’ll be interesting seeing the approach Theo Epstein and the front office take with such a large group of key players, especially when it comes to Baez.

When he hits free agency, Baez will be heading into his age 29 season. Now, no one knows what the 2020 season will look like – or even what the 2021 campaign might shake out as. But no matter what form they take, it’s on free agents-to be to produce in order to make their case for massive contracts.

Now, anyone who’s followed the Cubs during this recent competitive window has always known the tremendous amount of potential Baez had. But he really didn’t put it all together over the course of a full season until 2018, when he finished runner-up to Christian Yelich in the National League MVP voting.