Javy Baez completes ridiculous, no-look tag at WBC (video)

Mar 14, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Dominican Republic outfielder Nelson Cruz (23) is forced out at second base by Puerto Rico infielder Javier Baez (9) during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Petco Park. Puerto Rico won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Cubs infielder Javy Baez made a great play during the World Baseball Classic Tuesday, tagging a runner out at second without even looking.

Javy Baez has made a name for himself with the Cubs the past couple of season for his must-watch exploits in the infield. His offense still leaves something to be desired, but there are few more talented, or exciting, fielders to watch in baseball.

Baez proved that yet again in the World Baseball Classic Tuesday night while playing for Puerto Rico against the Dominican Republic. In the top the eighth, with Puerto Rico leading 3-1, a runner tried to steal second base — not a good idea with Baez around.

The Cubs star not only completed the tag without looking, he also started celebrating way before he’d gotten the man. That confidence has earned Baez plenty of admirers the past couple of seasons, but there are also those who question whether his showmanship might hurt him in the long run.

It’s working for Puerto Rico so far. Baez’s team completed a 3-1 upset win over the Dominican Republic to move to the top of Pool F, which also contains the USA and Venezuela. The winner of the pool will go on to play the Netherlands in the semifinals, while the runners-up will face Japan, which has won all six of its games in the tournament.

Puerto Rico’s next game comes on Friday, when it faces the U.S. in San Diego. The win against the Dominican Republic was a big upset, but Baez’s team is now in great position to advance in the tourney. The nation’s best finish at the WBC came in 2013, when it lost to the Dominican Republic in the final.

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