Even before the Chicago Cubs traded Starlin Castro and signed Ben Zobrist and Jason Heyward, there were rumors surrounding the future of Javier Baez as well as the role he might play with the team moving forward. Under manager Joe Maddon, anything is possible.
As a result, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times speculates Baez could be developed into the next Zobrist - a super-utility player with a dangerous bat.
Baez has already gotten time at second base, shortstop and third base at the MLB level, and rumors earlier this offseason found he was taking reps in center field in the Puerto Rican League, which was speculated a while back since the team was expecting Dexter Fowler to depart in free agency.
With this extensive experience on defense, it looks as if Baez could be cultivated into a Zobrist-type player. His athleticism could make him even more versatile.
"Baez is expected to move around under the mad-scientist manager," writes Wittenmyer. "The 23-year-old will be the primary backup at both second base (Zobrist) and shortstop (Addison Russell), and he tried center field in the Puerto Rican League this winter. That could make him an option there if the Cubs need to shift Jason Heyward to right field."
Additionally, when trade rumors were swirling around Baez and outfielder Jorge Soler, it was Maddon who said he anticipates both players to be with the team in 2016. He said Baez is "special" and that he "really likes him a lot personally." Maddon also fought for Baez to make the 2015 Opening Day roster, but the youngster's offensive struggles proved to be a big road block in that challenge.
However, Baez rebounded in the minors and hit .324/.385/.527 with 49 runs scored, 13 home runs, 61 RBI and 17 stolen bases in 70 games (he missed almost a month with a finger injury) before enduring his second stint at the MLB level. He hit .289/.325/.408 in 28 games with the Cubs and played every infield position except pitcher and catcher. He also had an impressive showing in the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals and belted a crucial three-run homer in the Game 4 clincher.
All in all, Baez may not have a concrete position with the Cubs for 2016, but he will likely play a big role. Maddon values versatility to the utmost and Baez could be the manager's next super-utility experiment.
