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 #2: New York Yankees

Well, at least we know Baez looks good in pinstripes. New York has underperformed mightily in the first half of the season. A team that should be in the pennant race finds itself eight games back of Boston in the division.

With 73 games to play, the Yankees are 46-43 and can still have just as good a chance as anybody to come out of the AL East if they come out of the gate strong to begin the second half. First reported by ESPN, Yankees GM Brian Cashman has been quite vocal with his frustrations along with Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner.

Regardless of the circumstances, the Yankees are indeed looking to buy before the deadline.

Currently with the second-highest payroll in the league behind only the Dodgers, the Yankees need to perform better or else they themselves could eventually look towards a fire sale of their own. Baez could provide a much-needed spark to a team struggling to play as well as they should be.

The 27-time World Series champions have always had a winning culture in the Bronx. It would be nice to snag Gleyber Torres back from NY. Torres debuted for the Yanks in 2018 as a top 5 prospect in MLB but is currently having a down year and could potentially be had for cheap.

We all know the Cubs have made trades with New York in the past, dealing Gleyber Torres, Adam Warren, Rashad Crawford and Billy McKinney for Aroldis Chapman in 2016, culminating in the first World Series title Cubs fans had witnessed in 108 years.

With the Yanks looking to buy at the deadline already a staggering eight games back, it would be safe to say that they will be aggressive. In that case, the Cubs will be in very good position to raise the price tag in a bidding war. If that is the case, Jed Hoyer will be all ears.