Javier Baez has been mentioned in Chicago Cubs rumors all offseason long, but the question now becomes whether trading Baez would be a mistake by Theo Epstein for the future.
There is no question that Baez has a very bright future ahead of him. Chicago could use him in many different areas, especially as a perfect depth fit off the bench. Baez does hold a lot of trade value as well, which is why teams are interested in him and why Baez has been mentioned in many trade rumors.
Last season with the Cubs, Baez spent the majority of the season in the minor leagues. He played in just 28 regular season games, compiling a .289 batting average to go along with a home run and four RBI's. During the Cubs' postseason run, Baez ended up with a .333 batting average to go along with a home run and three RBI's.
At 23 years old, Baez still has a lot of time left to grow his game and become the superstar that many think he can become.
Epstein has been able to make a few splashes this offseason to help them in free agency. He first was able to convince John Lackey to join their rotation, while also picking up both Ben Zobrist and Jason Heyward. Those three players have made the Cubs the early favorite to win the 2016 World Series.
Trading Baez could net the Cubs another starting pitcher or even bullpen help. Those are the only two areas that still need improvement and trading him would mean that the Cubs are going all-in over the next couple of season for a championship.
Keeping Baez would mean that the Cubs are not going to rush their title window and would rather continue developing their youth. He could become an extremely dangerous power hitter in the future, which could be a major difference maker in the postseason off the bench in the future.
All of that being said, trading Baez would not be a mistake depending on what Epstein and the Cubs are trying to do. If they are going all-in now and want to give themselves the best chance in the next few seasons, then trading Baez would be smart.
