Chicago Cubs: The case for keeping Javier Baez over Addison Russell

While the MLB Trade Deadline in still two months away, here’s a case for why the Chicago Cubs would be better off keeping Javier Baez over Addison Russell.

Since he’s put on a Chicago Cubs‘ uniform, Javier Baez has been a constant subject of trade rumors. Will he, or won’t he be traded away for a top-flight, starting pitcher? Each season, it’s the same storyline.

Why is Baez always the player mentioned in trade rumors year after year? He’s a terrific, young infielder. It seems people take his talents for granted.

People should take a closer look at Addison Russell as trade bait, and not Baez.

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It’s fascinating why no one mentions Russell’s name in any potential trade conversations. A .236 career batter up to this point, Russell’s hitting struggles seem to always go unnoticed. Case in point — heading into Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Russell boasted a .213 batting average, with just 3 home runs in 45 contests.

Baez, however, is batting .263. While his career .247 batting average is nothing to smile about, it’s still higher than Russell’s. In addition, Baez also has shown more power than Russell this season, as noted by his 7 to 3 home run advantage to date.

Like Russell, who often receives well-deserved praise for his defensive play at shortstop, Javier Baez can also flash the leather. While Baez primarily plays second base for the Cubs, his primary position coming out of college was shortstop, where he excelled.

For some reason, Addison Russell’s continual struggle as a hitter hardly garners any criticism from fans, coaches, or even the media. It’s as if his offensive inconsistencies go completely unnoticed, even though he’s in the Cubs’ lineup every game.

If only Kyle Schwarber was as fortunate enough to receive the same lack of attention for his own personal hitting woes on a day-to-day basis. That poor guy is hitting no worse than Russell, yet, like Baez, Schwarber’s name seemingly pops up in daily trade rumors.

It’s baffling how a player as talented as Baez has to wonder whether he’s going to remain a Cub. On the other hand, a struggling player like Russell can rest, knowing his roster spot on the team is secure.

If the Cubs hit the market looking for a top-shelf starting pitcher at the trade deadline, they shouldn’t trade Baez. While his overall skill set attracts many suitors, he’s too valuable to give away.

Sure, he’ll often strike out by chasing bad pitches out of the strike zone. Yes, he might make an error or two while trying too hard to make a spectacular highlight-reel play. Still, with Baez, you take the good with the bad. Often with him, good things tend to happen, especially when he gets on base.

In the end, if the Cubs are contemplating a move to trade away one of their prized infielders, give Russell away, not Baez.

While a lot can change in the upcoming months before the trade deadline hits, what’s clearly evident is that the Cubs are struggling to hit the ball. And a lot of that has to do with Russell’s bat, as opposed to Baez’s.

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