Cubs Quick Hits: Javy Báez’s Zone Coverage Has Improved Every Season

Javy Báez had an historically low contact rate when he debuted as a rookie in 2014. Heck, some even questioned whether the free-swinging prospect could make it as a big-leaguer with such monstrous holes in his approach. But since Javy captured a bigger role in 2016, he has increased his zone coverage.

In particular, Báez’s whiff rate against low/outside zone pitches has improved every season since 2016.

Imagine if El Mago continues to improve and limit those whiffs on the low, outside portion of the zone. Maybe then we’ll have to stop saying “runner-up” before “MVP.”