Mar 5, 2019; Tempe, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez (9) hits a single against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Javier Baez, 2B, Chicago Cubs
2018: “El Mago” did just about everything well during a near-MVP season. He led the National League with 111 RBIs and stole home twice. He took off after fi nally landing a slot in the middle of the always-in-flux Chicago lineup. Joe Maddon was so excited, he likened Baez to a young Manny Ramirez. High praise indeed.
Forecast: Baez will be a popular item on draft day. He put up numbers that should perch him among the top 30 players, and he’s been trending up for three straight years. Toss in eligibility at three positions (second, third, shortstop) and this one pick covers a lot of ground. Baez is a hacker at heart, of course; you’ll want to steer clear in on-base leagues (.306 career OBP).
2019 Projections: .281 avg., 37 doubles, five triples, 29 home runs, 97 RBIs, 95 runs scored, 18 stolen bases.
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