Javier Baez nearly makes unbelievable diving play at third

Javier Baez is proving to be one heck of a utility player for the Chicago Cubs. The former top prospect would probably be a full-time starter on most teams, but is relegated to a backup role with Chicago.

Despite the reduced playing time, Baez has still been able to produce some incredible plays. He’s smashed walk-off home runs, pulled off impressive slides and even excelled in the field.

Baez’s expertise in the field was once again on display during Thursday’s contest against the Miami Marlins. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Baez nearly pulled off one of the most incredible diving plays we’ve ever seen.

With two outs in the inning, Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto hit a ground ball toward the hole between third and short. Baez, who was playing third, ranged to his left and attempted to slide in order to get his glove on the ball.

The ball took a bounce at the last minute, and instead of gloving it cleanly, Baez managed to deflect the ball straight up in the air. As his slide continued, Baez kept his eyes on the ball, snagged it with his bare-hand and fired to first base.

At first, it looked as if he had actually made the play. The umps ruled Realmuto out on the play, and it seemed as though Baez had just made one of the best web gems of the season.

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That wasn’t the case. Replays revealed Realmuto had beaten the throw and he was eventually ruled safe. Realmuto runs fairly well for a catcher. He stole eight bases last season and has already swiped three bags this year. It’s definitely possible that Baez’ throw would have nailed nearly every other catcher in the league. In this case, he had the misfortune of going up against one of the few catchers who has wheels.

The fact that Baez didn’t get the out probably ruins this play in the eyes of some, but what he was able to do was incredibly impressive. How many fielders come close to getting the runner there? How much body control and coordination do you have to have in order to stay with that ball and even have a shot at the out?

He may not have made the play, but we’re still impressed. If Baez continues to pull off highlight-level plays in limited time, you have to wonder whether he can work his way into a larger role, even though he’s a member of the stacked Cubs.

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