Javier Báez
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 20: Javier Baez #9 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after the Chicago Cubs win 8-4 against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 20, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Harry How/Getty Images

For the first time since 1945, the Chicago Cubs are heading to the World Series. They’ve been heavy favorites all year long, and now this squad has the opportunity to end the infamous curse that has plagued the north side of the Windy City since 1908.

Every year there’s always someone who steps up and catches fire during the postseason. Remember last year when Daniel Murphy resembled Babe Ruth for the New York Mets? This year it’s Puerto Rico’s own Javier Báez who has been the must-watch player of the playoffs.

The 23-year-old Báez has simply been outstanding this postseason with an eye-popping .342 batting average. Despite hitting just one home run, Báez still has a .542 slugging percentage this postseason for the Cubs. Thanks to Báez’s efforts, the Cubs are 7-3 in their 10 playoff games with series clinching victories over the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers. Báez has registered at least one hit in eight of the 10 Cubs’ playoff games thus far.

Báez is in the final year of his rookie contract, and you can bet Cubs management wants to re-sign him after this season ends.

The Cubs may be slight favorites, but they know they’re in for a difficult series against the Cleveland Indians. The Indians, like the Cubs, also haven’t won a World Series in over 50 years. Báez and the Cubs will be taking on a very talented pitching staff in a grueling seven game series beginning Tuesday night.

“He's the most natural baseball player I've ever seen play the game. His instincts in game are just top notch. And that was another play go today that was huge. The first guy getting on, to make that play and turn that double play set such a tone for the game,” Hendricks said.

 

MVP's _____ #JB9

A photo posted by Javier Báez ⚾ (@javy23baez) on

Báez, along with pitcher Jon Lester, were named co-MVPs of the National League Championship Series.

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