WATCH: Javier Baez makes difficult defensive play look easy

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NEW YORK — Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez lived up to his status as a reigning Gold Glove Award winner in the bottom of the eighth on Wednesday. After making an impressive sliding stop of a grounder hit up the middle, Baez popped up and fired a bullet to first baseman Anthony Rizzo for the putout.

The web gem, which occurred with the Cubs trailing the New York Mets 6-1 at Citi Field, ended the eighth inning, as catcher Tomas Nido grounded out to usher in the ninth frame. "El Mago" made the play look much easier than it actually was, with Baez smoothly fielding the ball while sliding across the outfield grass and then spinning around and throwing to first base in one fluid motion.

Javy Báez. Cold glover. ??https://t.co/iq0lKgoH7i pic.twitter.com/D4LR3SmhaV

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 17, 2021

Javier Báez has range.

Cubs Postgame Live: https://t.co/2DXazJtVdp pic.twitter.com/hCI9Qv1BV4

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) June 17, 2021

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