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MLB Rumors: 3 realistic Javier Baez trades the Cubs should consider accepting

By Brad Berreman

Jul 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) throws out Chicago White Sox center fielder J.B. Shuck (20) for the final out during of the fourth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) throws out Chicago White Sox center fielder J.B. Shuck (20) for the final out during of the fourth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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If the Chicago Cubs will indeed listen on anyone, these teams should be looking to trade for Javier Baez.

After a couple offseasons of talk the Chicago Cubs would look to make major moves in the name of knocking down payroll, this looks like the offseason of reckoning. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney (h/t to MLB Trade Rumors), the Cubs are “signaling a willingness to move almost any veteran.”

Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber and some others are the usual suspects in trade speculation around the Cubs. But Olney’s report adds an interesting name to the mix–shortstop Javier Baez.

Baez is entering his final year of arbitration eligibility, with Spotrac projecting him to make $11 million next season. He has seemed more likely to get a contract extension than be traded, but a rough 2020 campaign at the plate (.203/.238/.360 slash-line, 8 HR, 24 RBI over 235 plate appearances) may have changed that equation. However, Baez didn’t carry his offensive struggles out to the field as he won his first Gold Glove last season.

Baez is approaching his 28th birthday, with two All-Star appearances and an MVP runner-up on his resume. With 33 Defensive Runs Saved over the last two seasons, he has become of the best defensive shortstops around.

A reported willingness to trade anyone has to be taken with a grain of salt, as simple due diligence makes few players untouchable. But if the Cubs are open to moving Baez now, and that definitely didn’t get out by accident, these three teams should be ready to make a deal.

3 teams who should trade for Javier Baez

player. 102. Pick Analysis. 3. AL. West. Los Angeles Angels. Scouting Report

The Angels are set to lose Andrelton Simmons in free agency, and with a top-heavy payroll for 2021 a big move for a replacement feels unlikely. They could be in on Marcus Semien via free agency, but much more than a one or two-year deal for him might be too much.

On the other hand, as they continue to waste Mike Trout’s prime, Angels owner Arte Moreno may give new GM Perry Minasian leeway to make moves. David Fletcher is a fine player, but his versatility allows for a move to second base if a better shortstop is out there.

The Angels’ books actually clear out nicely over the next couple offseasons, as the contracts of Albert Pujols and Justin Upton expire. So an extension for Baez could palatably be done after acquiring him, which is an important parallel to making a trade to get him.

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