Cubs prospect Javier Baez hit two home runs on Sunday to help the Iowa Cubs defeat the Tacoma Rainiers.
Baez is waiting for the call-up to the major leagues, but the only problem is there isn’t an opening for the young shortstop in the infield.
Brian Harper, Iowa Cubs’ hitting coach since 2013, said Baez could play anywhere Chicago needs him. Harper said Baez is a good enough hitter and fielder to play any position.
I think Javy can handle any position you give him, Harper said. I think [Kris] Bryant can handle any position, and I think [Addison] Russell can handle any position. Here, we leave it up to the big-league guys to make those choices and let them do what they want. But with Javy, Kris [Bryant] and Addison [Russell], they’re talented enough to handle whatever they give them.
In his last 13 games, Baez is 20-for-48 (.417) with four homers and 13 RBI. If Kris Bryant or Addison Russell doesn’t move to the outfield, then Baez could see some time in the outfield for the Cubs in the near future.