Nobody can deny that Cubs second baseman Javier Baez has had quite the impressive first 50 games of the 2018 season. Before tonight’s game in Pittsburgh, Baez leads the NL in RBIs (42), is fourth in home runs (13) and is ranked second in slugging (.570) which has been quite the pleasant surprise this season. He seems to have found a semi-permanent home at second base and is the best “backup option” in baseball at shortstop when Addison Russell needs a day off. Baez’s value both offensively and defensively have been apparent as he has been one of the major catalysts at the top of the Cubs offense along with Albert Almora Jr. and is the undisputed champion of the “most electric player in baseball” award.
Baez’s productivity and placement on the NL leader board in the major offensive categories will undoubtedly put him in the running to get his first All-Star nod in this years midsummer classic (although he’s competing with Ozzie Albies and Scooter f*cking Gennett).
When you look at Baez’s numbers a bit closer though, you see arguably his most impressive (and alarming) stat — walks.
Through 50 games this season, Javier Baez has walked six….SIX…..times. Every Cubs fan knows that Baez doesn’t get cheated during any of his at-bats but the fact he’s walked six times in 193 at-bats is absurd.
It’s even crazier when you break those at-bats down even further.
Javier Baez has not drawn a walk in his last 163 PA's dating back to April 11th (this is the longest active streak).
Baez has had a 3-ball count 16 times during this streak. He has swung 18 of 20 times with 3 balls and chased 8 pitches out of zone. pic.twitter.com/X6SLZNrd7l
— Inside Edge (@InsideEdgeScout) May 29, 2018
I won’t sit here and argue that Baez should change his approach at the plate because I’m one of the few Cubs fans that believes that should be Chili Davis’ job and not my own. Cubs skipper Joe Maddon has noticed the lack of walks drawn by Javy but continues to support his young second baseman.
“He’s his own toughest critic, also. I have a lot of faith in him, I have a lot of faith in hitting coaches. He’ll be fine. I really am not concerned. … He’s young, he’s done it before, he’ll do it again. I promise you — that’s gonna happen again. In the mean time, just continue to support him.”
Just think of the damage that could be done if Baez begins to accept his walks. The Cubs already lead the NL in run differential and with Kris Bryant and a red-hot Anthony Rizzo hitting behind Baez, imagine the pressure put on the opposing pitcher having to concentrate on Bryant or Rizzo with the always pesky Baez on the base paths.
However, until Javy begins to accept those walks, all Cubs fans can do is imagine that scenario (for now).