Cincinnati Reds: Yasiel Puig looks inject some swagger into Cubs rivalry

SEATTLE, WA – MAY 01: Javier Baez #9 of the Chicago Cubs watches his solo home run fly out of the field in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on May 1, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)

The usual suspects are still there

Javy. Rizzo. Bryant. Over the past 5 seasons, these three Cubs have wreaked havoc on the NL Central. No trio has been more dangerous in the division and the 2019 season is proving to be no different.

The 26-year-old Javier Baez is an MVP in waiting. After finishing 2nd in the voting last year, he’s picked up right where he left off. Slashing .323/.360/.627 Baez is off to a tremendous start. Add a team leading 11 home runs and 29 RBI’s and the right hand slugger will once again be in the MVP conversation.

Anthony Rizzo been a pain the Reds’ side for years. His 26 homers against Reds’ pitching are more than he has against any other opponent. Rizzo’s 17 round trippers and 48 RBI’s at GABP are also career-highs in an opposition ball park.

Rizzo’s 10 home runs and 29 RBI’s in 2019 prove the left-handed hitting slugger is as dangerous as ever. Throw in his dust up with the Reds’ Amir Garrett last year and we could have a little extra excitement in the Queen City this week.

Former MVP Kris Bryant may not be putting up the numbers of Baez and Rizzo, but don’t let that fool you. Despite a pedestrian .257 batting average the 27-year-old has accumulated an impressive .400 OBP and collected 28 free passes.

Like his partner in crime, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant loves hitting at GABP. His 14 homers and 43 RBI’s in Cincinnati are his best in any opposition ballpark. Add in a slash line of .293/.383/.555 with 18 doubles and the Las Vegas native has left many Reds’ fans over the years crying in their Skyline Chili.

The usual suspects are still there

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