Paul Sullivan: In a game of Cubs survivor, look for Javier Baez to win over Kris Bryant

CHICAGO - The Washington Nationals had to choose this offseason between keeping starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg, the most valuable player of their World Series win over the Astros, or third baseman Anthony Rendon, who finished third in National League MVP voting.

Both became free agents when Strasburg exercised an opt-out clause in his contract, putting general manager Mike Rizzo in a difficult position. In the end, Rizzo chose Strasburg, giving the right-hander a seven-year, $245 million extension and watching Rendon sign the same deal with the Angels.

That's a problem the Cubs could face with two of their