Chicago Cubs: 3 off-the-wall trade destinations for Javier Baez

With all the buzz swirling around Kris Bryant and Craig Kimbrel as the most valuable trade chips on this Chicago Cubs roster, let’s not forget a certain number player that could be just as valuable to another team that needs him. When it comes to an All-Star’s availability, any team in first or second place could be a suitable trade destination if they are buying at the deadline.

First of all, it is important to note that regression can happen to players of all sports. As seen with Javier Baez, he has struggled thus far with a .238  average through 314 plate appearances in 2021, leading the league in strikeouts along the way. Though not what we like to see from the two-time All-Star, his accolades still speak for themselves.

Baez, the runner-up in the 2018 NL MVP race, Gold Glove recipient and 2018 Slugger Silver continues to show that a down year offensively isn’t what defines him. With flashy plays that make you look twice, El Mago remains known as a top-tier player in MLB. The fact is, if you asked any GM if they would like to have Baez on their team, the answer would most likely always be a resounding, “Yes!”

Whether you’re a contending team looking for that piece to ensure you clinch a division or a team hoping to find the pieces to turn yourself into a contender this year, It’s no surprise the “retooling” Cubs could be ready to move Baez to a team looking to win now.

It’s unfortunate for the Chicago faithful to have to ponder what it will be like without their favorite trio. What will this team look like in August? As the years of mediocracy once again seem destined to rear their ugly heads, fans alike can only look to rip off the band-aid as soon as possible and let the healing process commence.

That is why it is imperative to get the most out of your core now in trades before they walk for nothing. Should the Cubs miss this incredible opportunity to really stack up the farm system, they could be in for a process that will be much more complicated than simply “retooling.”

Let’s discuss three off-the-wall trade destinations for El Mago, should teams be looking to make a splash before the July 30 trade deadline.

Chicago Cubs: Off-the-wall Javier Baez destination #1: Milwaukee Brewers

A painful potential trade destination, the Milwaukee Brewers.

With Daniel Vogelbach, Kolten Wong and Travis Shaw all currently on the IL, Milwaukee could be a gut-punching suitor for Javy Baez. Milwaukee’s strongest assets are with a doubt its pitchers, including four current All-Stars in Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, Corbin Burnes and closer Josh Hader.

That is exactly why Milwaukee’s key focus should now turn to its offensive production. When you have three All-Stars in your starting rotation alone, all with sub-2.40 ERAs mind you, your run differential should be much higher than +46. Keeping in mind the fact Milwaukee also has an extremely solid bullpen, a stat like this can speak volume to its lackluster offense.

By contrast, let’s look at the Dodgers, whose three-headed monster consists of Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler and Trevor Bauer (although the latter’s future is very uncertain right now). They sport a league-leading +142 run differential, which is certainly where Milwaukee will look to get as the season carries on.

When Baez is hot, he is red hot. Looking at a hypothetical line up card of Kolten Wong (once healthy) Christian Yelich, Javy Baez and Omar Narvaez, one can envision the success that would ensue. Even if it means moving players around the infield with recently added Willy Adames, Craig Counsell would find rotations and different ways to make the lineup work based on splits, matchups and what have you.

With multiple highly sought after players contracts expiring this year, It’s no surprise that just about every team will come calling.

Chicago Cubs: Off-the-wall Javier Baez destination #1: Chicago White Sox

Another former trade partner who happens to currently be running away with the division, the Chicago White Sox are sitting 19 games above .500 with a 54-35 record. The South Siders could be looking to increase their strength at second base given the loss of Nick Madrigal, which could wind up being the perfect trade destination for Baez.

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With Madrigal out for the season, the Sox have turned to Danny Mendick in attempt to fill the hole left behind. Mendick is currently slashing an underwhelming .204/.305/.283. Primarily now a shortstop, Javier Baez has had no problem in his career migrating to second when being summoned to do so. Not only being named the starting second baseman in the 2018 All-Star Game, Baez also regularly patrolled second base until Addison Russell was injured in 2017.

Needless to say, the two-time Fielding Bible multi-position award winner’s versatility could be extremely valuable to a team such as the White Sox. It allows Tim Anderson to remain the everyday shortstop, it gives you Abreu, Baez, Anderson and Moncada in the infield and it fills the lineup card with guys you would want to intentionally walk to get to the next guy in a late game situation.

With Lucas Giolito, the signing of Lance Lynn and Liam Hendriks and the sudden emergence of Carlos Rodon, the Sox are a powerhouse as it is. Adding somebody like Baez to this mix with the hopes that Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert and Yasmani Grandal come back strong this season may just put them over the top as they already also boast a top bullpen in baseball as well.