If not for the historic start by Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Cody Bellinger and reigning National League MVP Christian Yelich, Chicago Cubs infielder Javier Baez would likely see more praise for what he’s done so far this season.
The 26-year-old Baez is enjoying the best start to a season in his professional career, hitting a team-best .296 with a 128 OPS+. Baez ranks sixth in the National League in WAR – but is well ahead of the pace needed to best the numbers from his breakout 2018 campaign.
One group that hasn’t overlooked his exploits thus far?