Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez is playing his way toward a monster deal

Chicago Cubs, Javier Baez could find their way back to one another

Unlike the Mets, the Cubs have pretty much no big-dollar contracts on the books outside of veteran Jason Heyward, who has two years left on his seven-year, $184 million deal. After shedding money in unprecedented fashion over the last 10 months, Jed Hoyer is pretty much starting fresh in the payroll department.

Chicago has gotten surprising production from guys like Frank Schwindel and Patrick Wisdom, although the latter has dramatically cooled of late. Willson Contreras is under control through next season and you’ve got other guys like Ian Happ, David Bote, Nico Hoerner and Nick Madrigal, as well.

That’s not enough to win a division. With the dire situation the Cubs face in terms of starting pitching, it’s highly likely most of their dollars go there this winter. But even if you rebuild the entire rotation, the money is still there to bring back Baez who has shown with the Mets he actually might be capable of changing his offensive approach.

He’s walking more, striking out less and stealing the show once again. Yes, he’s becoming more expensive with every highlight-reel moment. But he’s also proving to the Chicago Cubs (and 29 other teams) that he’s capable of anchoring a lineup and being that foundational player moving forward.