Javy Báez's Numbers in 0-2 Counts Are Better Than Most Hitters With the Count in Their Favor

When Chicago Cubs infielder Javier Báez broke into the league, he was an undisciplined hacker who, despite possessing enough bat speed to chop down a tree with a single swing, almost never made solid contact. Over time, he's evolved into one of the most complete hitters in the league.

If you want to see what type of hitter Báez has morphed into, look no further than his stats down 0-2 in the count, which are simply mind-boggling.

With Báez hitting .307 on the season, he's actually improved while facing the unfavorable count. That's almost unheard of. That is the result of some increased plate discipline and the ability to start hitting the ball to all fields regularly, as well as the 26 year old's unparalleled confidence.

Continuing with his terrific start to June, Báez crushed, you guessed it, an 0-2 pitch from Miles Mikolas over the right field fence to give the Cubs an early two-run lead over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Baez, who has established himself as arguably the most dynamic offensive player on a loaded Cubs team, somehow still looks to be improving. Following a second-place finish in NL MVP voting last year, he should continue to have his name in the conversation with yet another dominant season.