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Chicago Cubs: Joe certainly loves him some Javy
Maybe the Angels manager implores new GM Perry Minasian to make a play for two of his favorite youngsters in his time as manager of the Chicago Cubs. Maybe they can’t swing the prospect deal for both Contreras and Baez and have to settle for Baez. Either way, there is no doubt the Angels skipper would love a reunion with Baez in Los Angeles in 2021.
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Baez would give the Angels a seamless transition of defensive wizardry fans have expected and seen over the past five seasons with Andrelton Simmons manning shortstop there. With his departure through free agency, the Angels have a major hole at shortstop and does anyone really think they’re gonna just hand Luis Rengifo the job if they expect to compete in 2021?
Baez would give the Halos not only defense they’ve come to expect in the middle of the diamond, but also another presence in a lineup that could feature Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, Shohei Ohtani, Jo Adell, and of course, the dwindling shadow of legend Albert Pujols. Seems like something anyone would be interested in. Granted, Baez would only give them a year of stability there, but if all went well, they would no doubt want to extend him before he hits the open market.
If the Angels plan is to lock Baez up upon acquiring him, they could offer one of their young middle infielders in the minors, Jeremiah Jackson or Kyren Paris. If the Cubs are good with Nico Hoerner at shortstop in the near future, perhaps they ask for a package including a pitcher like Reid Detmers or Chris Rodriguez. They also could go the “athletic” route and go after outfielder Jordyn Adams, since he’d give them something they’ve been sorely lacking for a long time. The Angels don’t have a deep system, but perhaps a combination of prospects could get a deal done for Baez if they’re interested.
While the thought of Baez being traded is yet another depressing idea in the midst of many in 2020, maybe he leaves for a year and then comes back as a free agent? Stranger things have happened and maybe a one year reboot stocks the farm system for the next Cubs run.