Detroit Tigers’ shortstop, appears to be poised to recover his All-Star form. You’re excused for forgetting Báez played for the Tigers, let alone Major League Baseball. Báez, a two-time All-Star for the Chicago Cubs, has struggled since signing a six-year, $140 million contract after the 2021 season. He has a.221 batting average, 32 home runs, and a.610 OPS for Detroit.
Báez, 32, had a career-low -1.1 bWAR in 80 games last season. Detroit achieved its first postseason appearance in a decade, despite Báez missing the conclusion of the season due to hip surgery. Báez returned to the field late last week and was hitless in four at bats. How did Báez feel during his first game action since August? “I felt good,” Báez explained.
Báez was the designated hitter on Friday and Saturday. However, he is anticipated to play shortstop this week. “They say I’m moving better than before,” Báez remarked, per the Tigers’ official website. “So hopefully, it’s like that [when I return to shortstop],” said the pitcher. “I’m going to keep working on my defense anyway, trying to get better.”
Barring an unforeseen buyout, the Tigers are likely to keep Báez forever. He had three years left on his contract and, unsurprisingly, declined to opt out.
If Báez had left the Tigers, he may have had to settle for a minor-league deal. Instead, he prudently assured himself $73 million. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, at least publicly, remains bullish about his veteran shortstop. “The guy has worked really hard just to get back on the field and be able to participate, so it’s all great to see,” Hinch told the audience.
Báez is almost definitely assured of a starting position. We’ll see if he can finally turn things around and look like the 2018 National League MVP runner-up, or if the Tigers version of Báez is here to stay.
