El Mago Working his Magic: Javier Báez Rejuvenating His Career in Detroit

Credit: Instagram.com(@tigers)

On December 1, 2021, Javier Báez signed a six-year, $140 million deal to become a Detroit Tiger after slashing .265/.319/.494 with 31 home runs in 2021 with the Cubs and Mets. Báez’s signing made him one of the richest players in Tiger history. Before this season, Báez’s contract looked like the biggest burden in the game today. From 2022-2024, Báez slashed .221/.262/.347, striking out in nearly a quarter of his at-bats, and playing shaky defense at shortstop. This poor performance caused Báez to miss a playoff roster spot in 2024.

Going into this season, the Tigers understood that Báez would be hard to trade because of his massive contract, so they gave him another chance to be an everyday starter after losing his spot to Tigers’ top prospect Trey Sweeney. Sweeney struggled in limited at-bats at the major league level in 2024, and Tigers’ center fielder and former top prospect Parker Meadows came into 2025 on the 60-day injured list after suffering a nerve injury in his right arm in Spring Training. This gave Báez another opportunity to play, but he would have to serve as a utility player for the club for consistent playing time.

In 2025, Báez has played shortstop, second base, third base, and for the first time center field. Báez has racked up innings in center field and was once an everyday starter at the position. He played extremely well for his lack of experience in the outfield. Báez has good fly ball tracking, accurate outfield throws, and the ability to make highlight reel plays. His stellar defensive effort has translated to his offensive performance as well.

This season, Báez is slashing .289/.324/.474 with nine home runs. Báez just came off a three-hit performance Monday evening, where he drilled two home runs in a 7-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates to continue his scorching-hot month of June at the plate. In June, Báez is slashing .340/.377/.540 with three home runs, and he has moved back to shortstop with the return of Parker Meadows to center field.

Báez is playing at a level worthy of all-star recognition. His contribution is one of the reasons why the Tigers are the best team in baseball. At 47-27, this is one of the best starts in franchise history, and they are doing it with stars that are home grown in the Tigers farm system, such as Tarik Skubal, Riley Greene, and Kerry Carpenter. Báez came to the Tigers via free agency, but has fit into the club despite his early struggles.

The Tigers look to take the series against the Pirates this afternoon. The first game of a split doubleheader will be today at 1:10 PM. Excited to see one of the most entertaining players of this era revive his career with a team poised for a deep playoff run.

Thank you for reading!

Elias Meredith (@EAM_55)