The Detroit Tigers entered Monday at 22-13, one of the best document within the American League. An surprising participant has been main the best way in Detroit.
Shortstop Javier Baez had been a disappointment for the Tigers. Baez had did not stay as much as the six-year, $140M contract he signed through 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 now not a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop.
Baez had been an afterthought heading into the 2025 season. He had undergone hip surgery through the 2024 season, shedding his beginning position to infielder Trey Sweeney. Whereas Baez made the roster resulting from 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 up to now. He had produced a powerful .309/.350/.479 batting line in his 100 plate appearances coming into Monday, with three homers and 7 doubles. Baez leads the Tigers with 1.5 bWAR, one of the best participant on one of the 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 heart 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 yr, with all 4 occurring through 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 dear participant over the primary few weeks of 2025.
