Report: Cubs' Baez, Schwarber to compete in Home Run Derby
The National League side of the Home Run Derby has gained two participants, as the Chicago Cubs will send a pair of delegates in Javier Baez and Kyle Schwarber, according to a report from Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun Times.
Schwarber and Baez make up half of the NL contingency set to compete in Washington, D.C., joining Bryce Harper of the hometown Nationals and breakout slugger Max Muncy of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Baez, 25, is frequently acknowledged for his defensive prowess, but is also enjoying a career year at the dish. Through 86 games, the second baseman owns a .292/.326/.558 slash line with 17 home runs, just one behind Ozzie Albies for the lead among second basemen.
Heading into the 2018 campaign, Schwarber was, in many ways, the opposite of Baez - known for being a defensive liability while mashing at the plate. However, the outfielder entered this season slimmer and drastically improved his defense while also slugging at a career-high rate. Over 78 games, the 25-year-old has 17 homers after hitting 30 last season.
The Home Run Derby will get underway July 16 at Nationals Park, the day before the All-Star Game.