(670 The Score) Last season brought a breakout for Cubs star Javier Baez, who produced career-best numbers, emerged as one of baseball's best players and was the National League MVP runner-up.
So, how will Baez top that in 2019?
"I'm trying to have a better year than last year," Baez said.
Baez had 34 homers and 111 RBIs in 2018 while posting a slash line of .290/.326/.554 with a 5.3 WAR. He lost out to Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich for the NL MVP honors but inspired hope for what's ahead.
Among the ways the 26-year-old Baez is planning to improve includes a more disciplined plate approach aimed at drawing walks. He's also working on bettering his defense.
With an offense that struggled for long stretches in the second half in 2018, the Cubs will need Baez continue his elite form. After Yelich's Brewers defeated the Cubs for the NL Central crown in a Game 163 last season, Chicago has vowed to play with more urgency throughout the season.
Baez recognizes that the NL Central will be a tough battle this season, with the Brewers, Cardinals, Red and Pirates all appearing to have improved in the offseason.
"It's only getting better," Baez said. "It will get better every year. We got to compete. That's our key. Everybody knows our team. Everybody's building their team now. They got to see how it goes. We know what we got and we know what we got to do to be better."
