Cubs: Javier Baez encourages others to get COVID-19 vaccine

Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez is encouraging others to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Much like last season, MLB will have strict COVID-19 protocols for players and teams who have positive tests. But, the league did say that if 85 percent of Tier-1 individuals on the team were to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, then protocols will be significantly relaxed for the remainder of the season.

Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez revealed on Monday that he and his family all received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and he encourages others to do the same. Although he does understand there are some who don’t want to take it, Baez says they should give it a try.

Cubs’ Javier Baez encourages others to get the COVID-19 vaccine

During the team press conference, Cubs manager David Ross said via ESPN’s Jesse Rogers that the team will look to see when players will receive their vaccines as a way to prevent a number of players from dealing with side effects at the same time. One idea he did bring up was having starting pitchers receive their first inoculation day after an appearance.

When it comes to teams to follow during the coronavirus pandemic, the Cubs were the gold standard. With other teams having mass outbreaks in the locker room (i.e. Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals), the Cubs did not have a single player test positive for COVID-19.

As for the relaxed protocols, MLB sent out a memo to teams (via ESPN) that if they reach the 85 percent mark, players will be allowed to eat in restaurants, gather in hotel rooms without masks and bring their families on the road with them. The teams said to have reached the 85 percent mark so far are the Los Angeles Angels and the Cardinals.

While Baez says that it is a personal choice for everyone if they want to receive the vaccine or not, he encourages them to give it a try.