Chicago Cubs: A Javier Baez trade within the division could change everything

Chicago Cubs: If you’re trading Javier Baez, you need a big fish in return

Meanwhile in the NL Central, the Cincinnati Reds are 7 1/2 back of Milwaukee, two games above .500 and six games back in the Wild Card race. However, as demonstrated by the Cubs in June, a 7-game lead in the division can wither away in the blink of an eye. All it takes is one Milwaukee cold streak at the time right time, or one series sweep by Cincinnati against the Brewers and they are right back in the thick of things.

The lackluster production both offensively and defensively at shortstop has been well documented. As noted, if the Cubs are looking to extend Baez they need to do it soon. Considering it is a roll of the dice either way if he gets back to where he was or not, the smartest gamble you can make is the one that better sets up your ball club for the best success in the near future.

Enter Reds #2 prospect and MLB’s #54 overall, Hunter Greene. Greene, recently promoted to the Reds’ affiliate Triple-A team, the Louisville Bats, sports a six-pitch mix including a fastball topping out at 102 MPH. Though he missed 2019 after requiring Tommy John surgery, he made a full recovery and cruised to Triple-A with a 5-0 record, 1.98 ERA and a 13.2 K/9 in seven starts at the Double-A level in Chattanooga, until recently skidding with a 2-3, 4.28 ERA but still impressive 11.2 K/9 in Louisville.

According to reports indicating the Reds are looking to buy, Cincinnati should look no further than to the North Side of Chicago to help address their glaring needs.