Once hailed as a cornerstone of the Chicago Cubs' championship-winning team, the fate of Javier Baez has taken a dramatic turn. In 2016, Baez played an instrumental role in leading the Cubs to their first World Series title in over a century. His defensive prowess earned him the nickname "El Mago," captivating fans with his seemingly magical plays on the field. However, as time progressed, the magic began to fade. By the end of the 2021 season, the core group that brought glory to Chicago had dispersed, leaving behind only memories of triumph.

Baez's offensive struggles have become increasingly apparent since his departure from the Cubs. After signing a lucrative six-year, $140 million contract with the Detroit Tigers before the 2022 season, his performance at the plate has plummeted. Struggling with consistency, he has averaged a mere .221 batting average and a .262 on-base percentage, accompanied by an alarming number of strikeouts. The Tigers have even opted to bench him, indicating that his defensive skills can no longer compensate for his poor hitting. This rapid decline highlights the risks teams face when committing long-term contracts to players whose performance may not hold up over time.

Despite the public outcry against the Cubs' decision to part ways with key players like Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez, hindsight suggests that the organization made prudent choices. While it is easy to regret letting go of talent, the Cubs recognized the signs early and acted decisively. This strategic move allowed them to avoid being locked into unfavorable contracts, providing flexibility for future rebuilding efforts. Ultimately, this underscores the importance of foresight and adaptability in professional sports management, ensuring teams remain competitive and sustainable in the long run.