Cubs News: Javier Baez's homecoming, Anthony Rizzo, Jordan Wicks

For the first time since being traded by the Chicago Cubs at the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline, Javier Baez will presumably have a plate appearance at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night as a member of the Detroit Tigers.

Baez's downfall has been steady since his trade away from the Cubs, but a popular discussion has been whether fans at The Friendly Confines will give the shortstop a standing ovation when he steps into the batter's box on Tuesday night.

It goes without saying that Baez will likely get a warm welcome from the Wrigley faithful on Tuesday and it's deserved. For all that has gone wrong for Baez since his days of playing for the Cubs, the fact remains that he was one of the most electric players in Major League Baseball during his ascension on the North Side.

Another homecoming that may occur for the Cubs later this season is the return of Anthony Rizzo. The New York Yankees are set to play the Cubs at Wrigley Field the weekend of September 6. Rizzo is currently on the 60-day IL after suffering a fractured arm in June but has begun swinging a bat and fielding.

Cubs News: Javier Baez's return, Anthony Rizzo, Jordan Wicks injury update

The Yankees have yet to provide an official timeline on when Rizzo will return, leaving it in question that he is actually playing in the series with the Cubs in September. The Yankees hold a $17MM club option for Rizzo next season and given the injuries the first baseman has suffered in the past year, it would seem likely that New York may elect not to pick up that option.

If that is the case, there is a scenario where the Cubs could have an interest in bringing Rizzo back next season. No, Michael Busch should firmly be entrenched as the first baseman of the Cubs moving forward but the fact remains the Cubs will have spots to fill on their bench. One area that has been a consistent area of concern for the Cubs' roster construction has been their bench and a lack of competent Major League hitters. In a scenario where Rizzo is not looking for an everyday role on his next day, a return to the Cubs could be entertained with the opportunity to have some plate appearances as the designated hitter, depending on the matchup.

A player that will factor into the Cubs' 2025 roster construction is Jordan Wicks. Wicks has been sidelined for the duration of the second half this season due to an oblique injury. Wicks is beginning his minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday with the Iowa Cubs but it remains to be seen if he will return to the Major League level this season.