I don't know if there is a better story this year than the emergence of Javier Baez. If it seems like only a few years ago that many fans were clamoring to package Baez in a trade for a power arm (I remember hearing his name come up constantly with Tampa Bay and Chris Archer), it's because it WAS only a few years ago.
Now that the trade rumors have probably subsided for good, Baez has emerged as the front runner for the NL MVP in my opinion. He currently leads the league in RBIs (72) and is in the top ten in OPS, WAR, Runs, Doubles, Triples, Home Runs, and Stolen Bases. Offensively, Baez has been the team's best player through the first half and there's no other Cub even CLOSE to bringing what Baez brings everyday defensively and on the base paths.
Baez is hoping to bring some of that magic to the All-Star game this year and he's not shy about sharing what he expects of himself during this year's All-Star festivities. The first time All-Star will compete in tonight's Home Run Derby and will bat lead off for the National League team during tomorrow's All-Star game. Baez was asked what his goals were for both events earlier today and staying true to Javy form, Baez is going big with his expectations for the next two days.
Baez will be the first NL player to face AL starting pitcher, Chris Sale, Tuesday night and I'm sure he's looking to repeat what Kris Bryant did to Sale in the 2016 All-Star game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNPTUDrsz1E I'm not sure if he's aware or not but another first time All-Star, Willson Contreras, jokingly shared today that he's putting his money on their teammate, Kyle Schwarber, to win the home run derby. However, Willy must have had a change of heart and pulled a last-minute switch from Schwarber to Baez.
Regardless of who wins tonight's competition, I can guarantee you that Baez will somehow find a way to put on a show for the fans in Washington D.C. The man is pure electricity.
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