Chicago Cubs: Three unthinkable moves that must be made

Move Number Three: Hit Javier Baez in the Leadoff Spot

This seems so obvious to me that I’m really surprised that it hasn’t happened yet.

In fact, it seems like its been anybody but Baez in the leadoff spot. Rizzo, Schwarber, even Bryant have all hit leadoff.

Amazingly enough, the Cubs’ best hitter, Baez, hasn’t hit in the leadoff spot yet. Even more surprising is the fact that Baez is the Cubs’ leader in stolen bases with 19, making him an even more appealing leadoff man.

Everybody’s seen the highlights of Baez’s base running. One of the most aggressive on the base paths in the league, Baez has stolen home four times in 2018.

Baez is also the Cubs’ team leader in home runs (25), and the National League leader in RBIs.

It’s clear that Baez knows how to get on base, advance bases, and drive in runs. For a Cubs’ offense that is seemingly non-existent whenever it isn’t completely dominant, Baez looks like the perfect catalyst.

Imagine how much pressure would be taken off the Cubs’ 3-4-5 hitters if Baez hit leadoff. That would mean most times having Baez in scoring position, or even already on the board before the end of the first inning.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Maybe the Cubs don’t need a full-on fixing. But they aren’t a World Series favorite as is, and there are always improvements to be made.

Whether it’s a ninth-inning change or a first-inning change, the Cubs should consider a few changes.