Javier Báez

Javier Báez
Báez with the Chicago Cubs in 2016
Chicago Cubs – No. 9
Infielder
Born: (1992-12-01) December 1, 1992
Bayamón, Puerto Rico, USA
Bats: Right Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 5, 2014, for the Chicago Cubs
MLB statistics
(through 2018 season)
Batting average .267
Home runs 81
Runs batted in 269
Stolen bases 49
Teams
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's baseball
Representing  Puerto Rico
World Baseball Classic
2017 Los Angeles Team

Ednel Javier "Javy" Báez (born December 1, 1992), nicknamed "El Mago" (Spanish for "The Magician"), is a Puerto Rican professional baseball infielder for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born in Puerto Rico, Báez attended high school in Jacksonville, Florida. The Cubs selected Báez with the ninth overall selection of the 2011 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut on August 5, 2014.

He is the first player for the Cubs to steal home in a postseason game since Jimmy Slagle in 1907. In October 2016, Báez was named the National League Championship Series co-MVP alongside left-handed starter Jon Lester as the Chicago Cubs clinched their 2016 National League pennant.

Early life and introduction to baseball

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Báez moved to Florida in 2005 along with his mother and siblings, two brothers and a sister.[1] The move was so that his sister, Noely, could get medical treatment for her spina bifida condition.[2] In Puerto Rico he and his two brothers, Gadiel and Rolando, became familiar with the sport through their father, Ángel Luis Báez who, before his death when Javier was ten, heavily influenced their life and was responsible for their interest in baseball.[2] The brothers would later immortalize this interest by getting tattoos of Major League Baseball's logo, which symbolized that "baseball has been in [their] lives forever."[2] [3] As a middle school student, it took time for Báez to adapt because he was unable to fluently speak or understand English.[1] Báez eventually learned the language through trial and error in a process that lasted for three years, memorizing words before knowing their actual meaning.[1]

Báez attended Arlington Country Day School (ACD) in Jacksonville, Florida. His coach at ACD, Ron Dickerson, noted that initially scouts were not impressed by him, noting his talent, but not believing he could become a star.[1] Dickerson emphasized that Báez's work ethic was responsible for positioning him as a real prospect.[1] As a sophomore, he had a .463 batting average with 38 hits, of which nine were doubles and 13 were home runs.[4] Making 82 plate appearances in 25 games, he also gathered 60 runs batted in (RBIs). By the time that his junior season was over, Báez was a highly rated Aflac All-American.[1] In his senior season, he recorded 64 hits in 83 at-bats to gather an average of .771, which included 20 doubles and 22 home runs. In total, Báez recorded 52 RBIs in 30 games.[4] During his time at ACD, he never played a position steadily. After working at second base, Báez was moved to shortstop once the team lost a player.[5] Besides these positions, he also played as a center fielder and as a catcher.[6] He committed to play college baseball at Jacksonville University.[7]

Professional career

Minor leagues

The Chicago Cubs, led by Jim Hendry, selected Báez in the first round, with the ninth overall selection, of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft.[3][8] He began his professional career by playing shortstop for the Arizona Cubs of the Rookie-level Arizona League, where he only played in three games, recording three hits, including two doubles, in 12 at-bats and two stolen bases.[9] Promoted to the Boise Hawks of the Class A-Short Season Northwest League, Báez recorded one single in six at bats across two games.[10] On September 29, 2011, he was selected third overall by the Leones de Ponce in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente's (LBPRC) rookie draft, but did not play due to the Cubs' limitations.[11]

Before the 2012 season, MLB.com rated Báez as the 62nd best prospect in baseball.[12] He remained with the Cubs in extended spring training with other prospects, participating in 26 games and hitting 6 doubles, 3 triples, and 8 home runs, with 28 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 23 strikeouts in 94 plate appearances.[13] He made his regular season debut with the Peoria Chiefs of the Class A Midwest League.[14] He was promoted to the Daytona Cubs of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League (FSL).[14] Baseball America included Báez in two of its "Best Tools" lists, naming him the "Most Exciting Player in the Midwest League" and the "Best Defensive Infielder" in the Chicago Cubs system.[15]

Báez batting in the Florida State League All-Star Game in 2013

Before the 2013 season, MLB.com rated Báez as the 16th best prospect in baseball.[16] The Cubs invited him to join their major league team in spring training, competing in the Cactus League. Báez hit four home runs in five at-bats over the course of two games,[17] including in an unofficial exhibition game against the Japanese national baseball team that was preparing for the 2013 World Baseball Classic.[18][19] He concluded spring training with a .298 batting average and 10 RBIs.[20] Báez returned to the Daytona Cubs to open the 2013 season. On June 10, 2013, Báez hit four home runs in one game, becoming the second player to do so in the history of the FSL.[21] Báez was named one of the five finalists in the fan vote for the final spot on the World Team's roster for the 2013 All-Star Futures Game, but he finished second to Carlos Correa.[22]

On July 6, 2013, the Cubs promoted Báez to the Tennessee Smokies of the Class AA Southern League after displaying more plate discipline and walking more often during the previous month.[23] Báez was named to both the FSL and Southern League All-Star teams at the conclusion of the season.[24][25] The Cubs named him their Minor League Player of the Year, closing the season as the top-ranked prospect in the team's system and third overall in the Southern League.[26][27] On October 28, 2013, Báez won the MiLBY Award for Best Minor League Game of the Year, recognizing his four-home run game.[28]

The Cubs invited Báez to spring training in 2014. An injury suffered by Starlin Castro allowed him regular playing time. To increase his versatility, Báez began practicing at second base and third base.[29] He was reassigned to Minor League camp during the final week of spring training.[30] Bothered by a back injury, he opened his participation with the Iowa Cubs of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League (PCL) immersed in a slump, with his only hit in 20 at bats being the first home run of the season.[31][32] During the second week of the season, Báez had his first multi-hit game and hit a second home run before being placed on the seven-day disabled list with an ankle sprain. Báez slumped following his return, and his batting average fell below .150 in May, while his strikeout-to-walk ratio worsened. With a more patient approach at the plate, Báez began a hitting streak on May 16, 2014. On May 26, 2014, Báez was named the PCL Player of the Week for the previous week.[33]

On May 22, 2014, the Cangrejeros de Santurce of the LBPRC signed Báez by exploiting a legal loophole that allowed players to be considered free agents unless properly signed within three years of being drafted.[34] However, the Leones de Ponce quickly reclaimed his local player rights, claiming that they had approached him with the intent of formalizing a contract but that the "extreme fatigue" clause of the Winter League Agreement had interfered.[35]

Chicago Cubs

2014

On August 5, the Cubs promoted Báez to the major leagues.[36] In his debut that day, he hit his first career home run; the game-winner in the 12th inning victory against the Colorado Rockies, becoming the first player since Miguel Cabrera in 2003 to hit an extra innings home run in his debut.[37] In his third game, Báez hit two home runs, becoming the first player since Joe Cunningham in 1954 to hit three home runs in his first three MLB games.[38] On August 18, 2014, Báez hit his fifth home run in 14 games, joining Jason Kipnis as the only other second baseman to do so in the last 100 years.[39]

On September 2, Castro injured himself in an awkward slide at home plate and did not return for the remainder of the year.[40] Báez finished the season at shortstop. In 52 games with the Cubs in 2014, Báez struck out 95 times while batting .169 with 5 stolen bases, 9 home runs, and 20 RBI.

2015

After struggling in spring training, mostly due to a high number of strikeouts, the Cubs optioned Báez to Iowa on March 30, 2015.[41] He batted .324 in 70 games for Iowa, missing time due to the death of his sister and a broken finger.[42]

At the end of Iowa's season, Báez was called up to the major leagues as a part of September call-ups on September 1. Báez hit his first home run of the season on September 4 in a win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.[43] His three-run home run in the second inning of game 4 of the National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals helped the Cubs to a 6-4 win as they advanced to the National League Championship Series.[44]

2016

On May 8, in the last game of a four-game series at Wrigley Field, Báez hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 13th inning to lead the Cubs to a 4-3 victory and a four-game sweep of the Washington Nationals.[45] On June 28, Báez hit a grand slam in the 15th inning to lead the Cubs in a win over the Cincinnati Reds[46].

In Game 1 of the 2016 National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants, Báez hit a solo home run off Giants starter Johnny Cueto in the 8th inning to account for the only run in a 1-0 Cubs victory. It was the first 1-0 win in a playoff game for the Cubs since game 4 of the 1906 World Series against the Chicago White Sox. In Game 4, Báez drove in Jason Heyward to cap off a four-run rally in the top of the ninth, sending the Cubs to the 2016 National League Championship Series with a 6-5 victory.[47]

During the first game of the 2016 National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Báez stole home in the second inning. He was the first Cub to do this in a postseason game since 1907 when Jimmy Slagle accomplished this against the Detroit Tigers in game four of the 1907 World Series. Báez is also only one of 19 players in baseball history to steal home in a playoff game.[48] Báez and Jon Lester were named NLCS co-MVPs, after Báez hit .318 with five RBIs, four doubles, and two stolen bases in the series, including three hits and three RBIs in Game 5.[49] Baez would be part of the Cubs 2016 World Series win against the Cleveland Indians in 7 games, earning him his first World Series championship. Báez was the recipient of the Fielding Bible Award for his "defensive excellence at multiple positions."[50]

2017

Báez' ability to apply quick tags of opposing players attempting to steal second base was acknowledged as among the best ever.[51] Cubs manager Joe Maddon said, "A lot of our success is based on defense, and Javy is so important to that."[52] Báez finished the 2017 regular season with a .273 average, 23 home runs, 24 doubles, 75 RBIs, 75 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. He was a consistent member of the Cubs starting lineup at second base (573 innings) and at shortstop (503 innings) filling in for the injured Addison Russell. Báez was 0-for-23 in the NLCS except for the two solo home runs during Game 4. Báez was the recipient of the Fielding Bible’s Multi-Position award for the second straight season. John Dewan of the FB organization stated, “Báez possesses arm strength that is above average when he plays on the left side of the diamond, and it becomes downright ridiculous when he is playing second base,” says Dewan. “He believes he can make every throw on the diamond, and the vast majority of the time he is correct.”[53]

2018: All-Star season

On April 10, Báez hit two home runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The next day against the Pirates, Báez hit two home runs again. On May 19, Amir Garrett of the Cincinnati Reds struck out Báez and yelled in excitement. Báez approached Garrett and a benches-clearing brawl ensued.[54] On May 27, in an 8-3 victory against the San Francisco Giants, Báez hit his 13th HR of the year and became the first Cubs player with at least 40 RBIs before Memorial Day since Derrek Lee in 2005.

On July 9, while batting .294 with 17 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases,[55] Báez was named as the starting second baseman for the 2018 MLB All-Star Game, his first All-Star selection. Báez is only the second player in MLB history to have at least 18 home runs, 18 doubles, 18 stolen bases, and 5 triples by the All-Star break, Willie Mays was the first. Báez also participated in the 2018 Home Run Derby. On August 23, Báez hit a 481-foot home run, the second longest home run in the MLB this season. On September 2, Báez hit his 30th home run of the year and scored his 100th RBI and is the first Cubs middle infielder since 1990 to achieve both in the same year.[56]

International career

World Baseball Classic

Baéz played for the Puerto Rican national team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic where he won a silver medal.[57] Báez averaged .296 with one home run, five runs batted in and four tournament leading stolen bases. Following the conclusion of the tournament, he was named to the 2017 All-World Baseball Classic team.[58]

Personal life

Báez's sister, Noely, died on April 8, 2015, aged 21. She had spina bifida. Báez took a leave of absence from the Iowa Cubs to help cope with the loss.[59] Báez is left-hand dominant and eats and writes with his left hand, and suggests this helps his game. [60] Báez chose "El Mago" (Spanish for "The Magician") as his nickname for the Players Weekend in 2017 and 2018. [61]

Báez announced his engagement to longtime girlfriend Irmarie Márquez via Twitter on April 11, 2018.[62] Their son, Adrián Javier Báez Márquez, was born on June 29, 2018.[63]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "For former ACD slugger Javier Báez, Major League future is when, not if | members.jacksonville.com". M.jacksonville.com. June 22, 2013. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 "Every day with sister Noely is special for Chicago Cubs player Javier Báez | cubs.com: News". Chicago.cubs.mlb.com. December 23, 2013. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  3. 1 2 "Cubs tab high school shortstop Javier Báez with ninth pick | MLB.com: News". Mlb.mlb.com. May 24, 2013. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
  4. 1 2 "Javier Báez's (Jacksonville, FL) High School Baseball Stats". Maxpreps.com. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  5. ↑ Carrie Muskat & AJ Cassavell (March 16, 2014). "Top prospect Báez getting work at second base". Major League Baseball. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  6. ↑ Patrick Mooney (March 17, 2014). "Cubs: Javier Báez ready for anything, getting closer to Wrigley". Comcast SportsNet Chicago. Archived from the original on March 20, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  7. ↑ http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-06-06/sports/ct-spt-0607-brite-cubs-reds-chicago--20110606_1_chicago-cubs-gifts-tim-wilken-college-pitchers
  8. ↑ "Power surge down on the farm by SS Javier Báez — Chicago Sun-Times". Suntimes.com. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
  9. ↑ "2011 Arizona Cubs Statistics and Team Info". The Baseball Cube. Archived from the original on March 7, 2014. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  10. ↑ "2011 Boise Hawks Statistics and Team Info". The Baseball Cube. January 9, 2011. Archived from the original on March 7, 2014. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Para imprimir" (in Spanish). Elnuevodia.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  12. ↑ "2012 Prospect Watch | MLB.com: News". Mlb.mlb.com. May 24, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  13. ↑ "2012 Cubs Extended Spring Training — Final Stats | The Cub Reporter (TCR) | A Chicago Cubs Blog". The Cub Reporter. February 13, 2014. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  14. 1 2 "Javier Báez at Minor League Central". Minorleaguecentral.com. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  15. ↑ "Stats: Javier Báez" (in Spanish). Baseball America. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
  16. ↑ "2013 Prospect Watch | cubs.com: News". Chicago.cubs.mlb.com. May 24, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  17. ↑ "Chen gives up 4 homers in loss to Cubs — Yahoo Sports". Sports.yahoo.com. March 16, 2013. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  18. ↑ "Cubs minor leaguer Javier Báez hits 2 HRs to help Cubs beat Japan 7–5". Fox News. March 15, 2013. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  19. ↑ "Bruce Chen Finds Out Javier Báez Can Do Whatever He Wants | The Cub Reporter (TCR) | A Chicago Cubs Blog". The Cub Reporter. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  20. ↑ "For former ACD slugger Javier Báez, Major League future is when, not if | members.jacksonville.com". Jacksonville.com. June 22, 2013. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  21. ↑ Corcoran, Cliff (June 11, 2013). "Watch: Cubs prospect Javier Báez bashes four home runs in one game". Mlb.si.com. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
  22. ↑ Wild, Danny (July 1, 2013). "Correa, Nimmo voted to Futures Game: Mets' No. 4 prospect headed to Citi Field after online fan vote". MiLB.com. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  23. ↑ Shalbrack, Matthew; Kline, Adam (July 6, 2013). "Báez, Villanueva homer, but Smokies fall 8–2". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
  24. ↑ Dykstra, Sam (August 22, 2013). "Nicolino, Lawley take top FSL honors | MiLB.com News | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". Milb.com. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  25. ↑ Dykstra, Sam (August 30, 2013). "Báez, Smokies dominate SL All-Stars | MiLB.com News | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". Milb.com. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  26. ↑ "Cubs Name Javier Báez and Kyle Hendricks Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year | cubs.com: News" (Press release). Mlb.mlb.com. September 13, 2013. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  27. ↑ "Javier Báez Chicago Cubs top prospect — Chicago Tribune". Articles.chicagotribune.com. October 8, 2013. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  28. ↑ "Javier Báez Takes Home a MiLBY for Best Minor League Game of the Year". Chicago Cubs Online. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  29. ↑ "Javier Báez playing second base — Chicago Tribune". Articles.chicagotribune.com. March 6, 2014. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  30. ↑ Carrie Muskat (March 22, 2014). "Báez lauded for progress, takes roster move in stride". Major League Baseball. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
  31. ↑ Carrie Muskat (April 6, 2014). "Báez homers for Triple-A Iowa to end slide". Major League Baseball. Retrieved April 7, 2014.
  32. ↑ Tommy Birch (April 10, 2014). "Prospects Javier Báez and Kyle Hendricks shine in win". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
  33. ↑ "PCL honor to Báez". MILB.com. May 26, 2014. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
  34. ↑ Álvarez, Karla Pacheco (May 24, 2014). "Santurce anuncia firma de Lindor" (in Spanish). Primera Hora. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
  35. ↑ Rivera, Joel Ortiz (May 23, 2014). "Ponce reclama a Javier Báez" (in Spanish). El Nuevo Dia. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
  36. ↑ Muskat, Carrie (August 5, 2014). "Cubs call up top prospect Báez". MLB.com. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
  37. ↑ Gonzales, Mark (August 6, 2014). "Relaxed Báez shines on Cubs' stage". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
  38. ↑ Muskat, Carrie (August 7, 2014). "Báez buzz continues: Two HRs help down Rockies: Young standout 3-for-4 with four RBIs; Hendricks goes eight strong". MLB.com. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
  39. ↑ "Javier Báez, 2b, Chicago Cubs, MLB Baseball". cbssports.com. CBS Sports. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
  40. ↑ "Player Updates". mlb.com/mlb/fantasy/news/#player_id=516770. MLB.com. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  41. ↑ Muskat, Carrie (March 30, 2015). "Offensive struggles prompt Báez's demotion". MLB.com. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  42. ↑ "After stellar I-Cubs run, Javier Baez gets another shot with Chicago".
  43. ↑ Jesse Rodgers (September 4, 2015). "New and improved Javier Báez comes through in Cubs' win". ESPN Chicago. Retrieved September 8, 2015.
  44. ↑ "Cubs put away Cards, clinch NLDS at Wrigley".
  45. ↑ Kue, Chris (May 8, 2016). "Javier Báez homer wins it in 13th as Cubs rally past Nationals". Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Illinois: Tony W. Hunter. Archived from the original on May 9, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
  46. ↑ "Javier Baez has grand slam as Chicago Cubs sweep Cincinnati Reds". USA TODAY. Retrieved September 28, 2017.
  47. ↑ Chris Haft and Carrie Muskat (October 11, 2016). "Cubs deliver Giant stunner, advance to NLCS". MLB. Retrieved October 12, 2016.
  48. ↑ Neveau, James. Javier Baez Makes History With Steal of Home in Game One. NBCChicago.com October 15, 2016. http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Javier-Baez-Makes-History-With-Steal-of-Home-in-Game-1-397210881.html Retrieved October 16, 2016
  49. ↑ "Cubs' Baez, Lester selected as co-MVPs of NLCS".
  50. ↑ "2016 Fielding Bible Awards". fieldingbible.com. Fielding Bible. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
  51. ↑ Rogers, Jessie. "No one quicker than Javier Báez when it comes to tagging runners". www.espn.com. ESPN.com. Retrieved October 19, 2017.
  52. ↑ Skirbina, Paul. "Cubs have no second thoughts about second baseman Javier Baez". http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-javier-baez-slump-cubs-nlcs-side-spt-1016-20171015-story.html. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 19, 2017. External link in |website= (help)
  53. ↑ Taylor, Brett. "Javy Báez is the Best Multi-Position Defender in Baseball, and He's Got the Hardware to Prove It". www.bleachernation.com/. Bleacheation.comrN. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
  54. ↑ Sheldon, Mark (19 May 2018). "Benches empty after Baez-Garrett confrontation". MLB.com. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  55. ↑ "Javy Baez, Willson Contreras and Jon Lester named All-Stars".
  56. ↑ "Javier Báez entra a exclusivo club". September 2, 2018.
  57. ↑ Thornburg, Chad (February 8, 2017). "Young stars join Beltran, Yadi for Puerto Rico". MLB.com. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
  58. ↑ "World Baseball Classic: Previous champs, results, medal count, MVPs, All-WBC teams", CBS Sports.
  59. ↑ Muskat, Carrie (April 9, 2015). "Báez takes leave of absence after sister passes away". MLB.com. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  60. ↑ "Javier Baez plays his own game of tag in field".
  61. ↑ "MLB Players Weekend to showcase unique nicknames, colorful uniforms".
  62. ↑ Knowles, Joe (April 11, 2018). "Javier Baez proposes to longtime girlfriend Irmarie Marquez". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  63. ↑ "Cubs' Javier Baez Announces Birth Of Son". June 29, 2018.
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