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

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.