For some reason, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune decided to use the record contract Fernando Tatís Jr. signed with the Padres as the barometer for what it may cost to extend Javier Báez. The Cubs shortstop, who will earn $11.6 million this season, probably won’t jump to $24 million in AAV via extension or free agency. Interestingly, San Diego is paying out a total of $784 million in guaranteed dollars to Tatis, Manny Machado, and Eric Hosmer. The Friars are an elite second baseman shy of becoming baseball’s first billion-dollar infield.
The Rundown: Basing Potential Báez Extension on Tatis Jr. Deal, Arrieta Excited to Be Back, Maybin Returns, Sunday Baseball Notes
