Javier Baez (2B/3B/SS, CHC) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Javier Baez has served as the ultimate utility man for the Cubs so far this season, appearing at all four infield positions. He begins most games on the bench, but Joe Maddon has found ways to get Baez in the game more often than not. Through 31 AB, he is hitting .355/.394/.516 with one home run, two stolen bases and seven runs scored.

His 27.3% strikeout rate is still well below average, but it is an improvement from the 41.5% mark he posted over 229 PA in 2014. Over his last eight games played, Baez has struck out just five times in 24 PA, good for a 20.8% K rate— firmly in the “average” range. He obviously cannot sustain his .476 BABIP, but if he can continue to cut down on his strikeouts, the drop in BABIP won’t completely demolish his slash line.

Baez’ power/speed upside makes him worth owning in deep mixed leagues, even if he doesn’t play every day.