For some, that’s still the expectation when Javier Báez steps to the plate. Advertisement It is puzzling, though, to see how far Báez has fallen only 2 1/2 years removed from his Cubs tenure.

DETROIT — Nine years and five days ago, Javier Báez strode to the plate in the 13th inning of a tied game holding a pink bat. It was Mother’s Day in Chicago. The 2016 Cubs were about to take ...