The Chicago White Sox could certainly use some flare at second base in 2022.
Javier Baez has had an up and down career so far. When he is down, he seems to be down badly. When he is up, however, he is an MVP-level player. He doesn’t hit for a high average much and his on-base percentage leaves a lot to be desired but his power numbers are always magnificent. He hits baseballs very far on a regular basis and that would be great in the White Sox lineup.
The Cubs traded Baez to the New York Mets at the trade deadline that also saw Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant move on as well. It was crazy to see all three of them go on the same day but that was the reality. Now, if the Mets aren’t able to retain Baez, the White Sox would be a great destination for him. They have an open position that he plays and he would help supplement a World Series level offense.
If Baez was on the White Sox, he would make a great middle infield pair with Tim Anderson. The flare there would make the White Sox one of the most exciting teams in the league. If Anderson ever has days off, Baez can also play shortstop as well. With Moncada and Abreu, it would form one of the best infields in the league.
Offensively, Baez can fit in many different roles. He can hit fourth and be the team’s primary offensive producer or they can move him down the lineup. Regardless of how that decision went, they would be a significantly deeper lineup that gets production from top to bottom.
All three of these guys may stay with their current teams and they all might move on. You would think that the teams would try and retain them after giving up assets to get them but anything is possible. Returning to Chicago on the other side of town is a really nice option for all of them as they look to continue winning in their careers.