El Mago Moments: Javier Baez's top plays as a Cubs player |
For the first time since he was traded at the 2021 trade deadline, Javier Baez will return to Wrigley Field as a member of the Detroit Tigers.
Javier Baez was in the Cubs organization since Jim Hendry was the general manager. In parts of 8 seasons in Chicago, Baez hit 140 home runs and was one of baseball’s most exciting players. He was a two-time All-Star, a gold glover, an NLCS Co-MVP, and a World Champion. Baez, as instrumental as any player on the 2016 World Series team, earned the nickname ‘El Mago’ for good reason. So, let’s reminisce and count down the top 10 Javier Baez moments during his tenure with the Cubs. Here is 10-6: 10. Walk-off homer vs. Amir Garrett in 2021 In the trio (Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javy Baez) last game in Chicago, Baez was called on to pinch hit with the game on the line — against his foe, Amir Garrett. After heavy chatter, Baez sent the first pitch he saw over the outfielder’s head for a walk-off hit vs the Reds — and Baez emphatically swept his bat in a broom-like motion to mock Garrett.
9. Homer in MLB debut
Baez’s debut was about as strong as you can have as an MLB player. Not only did he homer in his first MLB game, but Baez’s clutch long ball gave the Cubs the lead late in the game in Colorado and propelled them to a win over the Rockies.
8. Fourth of July steal of home
Baez was known throughout his career for his magic slides. Broadcaster Matt Vasgersian once called him “part contortionist”. On the 4th of July in 2018, Baez took off for home on a pitcher’s attempt to pick off the runner on first. The throw home beat Baez, but an acrobatic swim move avoided the tag and allowed his hand to slide across home plate safely. In a career FULL of electric slides, this one takes the cake.
7. A three-run homer in 2015 playoffs
While 2016, deservedly so, gets a ton of lore, the Cubs had an exhilarating postseason run in 2015, including knocking the rival Cardinals out of the playoffs. In a decisive game four of the NLDS in 2015, Baez launched a three-run homer to right field—his first true taste of the Wrigley playoff atmosphere in which he would grow to be a star.
6. The home run in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series
The title is pretty self-explanatory. Baez was one of three Cubs to go yard in game seven of the World Series — and in a game where every run mattered, that could’ve been the biggest swing of his career.
Stay tuned for top plays 5-1 coming soon.
