Cincinnati Reds positional preview vs. NL Central: shortstop

1. Javier Báez, Chicago Cubs

Like it or not Reds fans, and I don’t like it, but Javier Báez is the best shortstop in the National League Central. In fact, one could argue that he’s the best in the entire league. For my money, I’m going with Trevor Story of the Colorado Rockies, but Báez is certainly in the conversation. A Reds killer since he made his big league debut in 2014, Javier Báez comes in at No. 1 among shortstops.

There may not be a more hated player among Reds fans than Javier Báez. El Mago has a persona that gets under the skin of everyone throughout Reds Country. He’s also very good against Cincinnati. For his career, Báez has hit .284/.314/.486 with 13 home runs and 58 RBIs. There’s no player whom the fans at Great American Ball Park boo more than Báez.

That said, the Cubs shortstop should take that as a compliment, as that means that he’s really good. I mean, c’mon, Reds fans aren’t going to boo you if you’re bad. Last season, Báez led all NL shortstops in slugging (.531), RBIs (85) and OPS (.847). Báez is a difference maker, plain and simple.

Not only is Báez a threat to knock the cover off the ball during every at-bat, but he’s also a phenomenal defensive player. Last season, according to FanGraphs, Javier Báez recorded a ridiculous 26 defensive runs saved. Only Paul DeJong equalled that number and Nick Ahmed, the NL Gold Glove Award winner at shortstop, racked up only 17.

Until Paul DeJong strings together some consistent seasons, Kevin Newman’s defense improves or Jose Garcia asserts himself as the Reds shortstop of the future, I’d say that Javier Báez’s place as the No. 1 shortstop in the division is pretty secure.