Javier Baez: Week 10 Waiver Wire Pick Up
By Bill Pivetz
Mar 22, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder
Javier Baez(9) prepares to take the field during a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
At this point in the season, the waiver wire is pretty bleak. You are either picking up a platoon player or set-up man and hoping they get a starting job. The Chicago Cubs are here to save you. Top prospect Javier Baez is close to making is return to the big leagues. When he does get the call, pick him up off the waiver wire.
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Everyone had high hopes for the Cubs’ offense entering the 2015 season, and they are doing pretty well so far. Anthony Rizzo has newly found speed (10 stolen bases), rookie phenom Kris Bryant is a five-tool player and Jason Hammel is looking good.
However, just like many other teams this season, the Cubs have been bit by the injury bug. Right fielder Jorge Soler was placed on the DL. As a result, the Cubs may move Bryant to right field, leaving third base open for Baez.
Baez will begin playing third base with Triple-A Iowa, in addition to second base and shortstop. The three-position eligibility gives Baez great value when he gets called up. Baez is hitting seven home runs, 26 RBI, 38:11 K:BB ratio and a .313/.390/.523 line in 34 games in Triple-A.
He has improved his K-rate, 26 percent in 2015 compared to 30 percent last season. In 52 games last season with the Cubs, he hit .169/.227/.324 with 95 strikeouts and 15 walks, 45 percent K-rate. Having a better eye at the plate will help Baez stay in the majors this time around.
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Fantasy owners are already prepping for Baez’s return. He has been picked up in 2.4 percent of ESPN.com leagues over the last week, 11.3 percent total. There hasn’t been any confirmation that Baez will be called up, but he is a candidate to be the Cubs’ designated hitter when the team plays the Detroit Tigers next week. This will be our first time seeing the new-and-improved Baez and will determine if he will be brought back up soon.
Javier Baez is a raw talent, but needs to be more patient at the plate. If he can fix that, then the sky is the limit for both he and the Cubs in 2015 and beyond.