The Detroit Tigers entered Monday at 22-13, the very best report within the American League. An surprising participant has been main the way in which in Detroit.
Shortstop Javier Baez had been a disappointment for the Tigers. Baez had didn’t stay as much as the six-year, $140M contract he signed in the course of the 2021-22 offseason, posting a mediocre .221/.262/.347 batting line in 1426 plate appearances between 2022-24. His protection additionally took a step backward as Baez was not a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop.
Baez had been an afterthought heading into the 2025 season. He had undergone hip surgery in the course of the 2024 season, dropping his beginning position to infielder Trey Sweeney. Whereas Baez made the roster because of his contract, he was a backup, anticipated to fit between shortstop, third base and the outfield as an alternative of an on a regular basis position.
As an alternative, Baez has far exceeded expectations to this point. He had produced a powerful .309/.350/.479 batting line in his 100 plate appearances getting into Monday, with three homers and 7 doubles. Baez leads the Tigers with 1.5 bWAR, the very best participant on the very best group within the AL.
Baez’s resurrection with the bat just isn’t the one shock. He has taken over because the Tigers’ major middle fielder, starting 10 of the Tigers’ last 11 games in center. Baez has been brilliant defensively, having already saved a run in simply 99 innings. His conversion to the outfield is all of the extra spectacular contemplating he had just four professional appearances in center earlier than this 12 months, with all 4 occurring in the course of the 2015-16 Puerto Rican Winter League season.
Baez has been greater than an surprising feel-good story for the Tigers. He has been their most precious participant over the primary few weeks of 2025.
