Javy Baez is a shortstop for the New York Mets, but will be forever loved by Chicago Cubs fans. Baez was a two-time All-Star during his eight seasons with the franchise. He debuted in 2014 and two seasons later was a postseason hero, winning NLCS MVP while helping the Cubs win their first World Series in 108 years. Baez continued to emerge as a feared hitter in Chicago, leading the NL in RBI and winning a Silver Slugger in 2018. He has also been highly regarded for his defense and won his first Gold Glove in 2020. Baez was traded to the Mets in 2021.
Baez was originally a highly touted prep prospect out of Arlington Country Day in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2011, Chicago selected him in the first round of the MLB Draft with the belief that he would be the future of their franchise in the middle infield. Immediately upon being drafted, he began his rapid ascent to the big leagues, marching through all six of the Cubs minor league levels in just three years. In 2013 he belted 37 homeruns at the high A and double A levels and hit 23 homeruns in 104 games in 2013.
