Javier Baez is projected to be the Cubs' Opening Day second baseman in 2015, Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com reports.

Baez is projected to be the Cubs' Opening Day second baseman in 2015, Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com reports.

Analysis:

The 21-year-old struggled to adjust to major league pitching after his early-August call-up, batting just .169/.227/.324 with a whopping 95 strikeouts in 52 games (229 plate appearances). Despite his inability to make consistent contact, Baez still slugged nine homers, and the Cubs are confident enough in his talent to pencil him in as the regular option heading into 2015. Baez will probably make for a polarizing choice in the fantasy realm next spring, because while his pop is elite for a second baseman, his low average and propensity for slumps will likely lead some to invest elsewhere.