El Mago’s Comeback: Javy Báez’s Resurgence with the Tigers

Javier “Javy” Báez has had an up and down major league career. Báez has won a World Series for the Cubs, been traded to the Mets and resurrected his career in Detroit. 

Stats are as of 6/16/25

Cubs Era

     Báez was selected with the ninth overall pick in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft. Báez played his way through the Cubs minor league system for a few years and was called up and sent down a few times. His main rookie season in Chicago came in 2016. In 142 regular season games, Báez had an on base percentage of .314 and 34 extra-base hits. He was also able to tally an impressive .336 batting average on balls in play (BABIP). He was dominant in the month of July, with a .325 batting average and his OPS (on base + slugging) was .846. The Cubs were the only team to win 100+ games in 2016, with a 103-59 record.

     In Game 1 of the NLDS, the Cubs were tied 0-0 in the bottom of the 8th inning against the San Francisco Giants. Starting pitcher Johnny Cueto threw his 108th pitch of the game, a 93 mile per hour fastball over the inside corner. Báez crushed the ball 107 miles per hour, and it landed in the left field basket at Wrigley. The Cubs would end up winning Game 1, and would advance to the NLCS, where they would face the Dodgers. Báez played in all six games of that series, driving in five runs on four doubles. The Cubs took care of business against LA, and faced Cleveland in the World Series. 

     In the World Series, Báez didn’t perform at his peak. He recorded just four base hits and struck out 11 times leading up to Game 7. The Cubs were down 3-1, before battling back to knot the series 3-3. Báez was scheduled to play second base and hit ninth in the Cubs lineup. The Cubs had a 3-1 lead in Game 7 of the World Series, when Javy Báez came up to lead off the fifth inning. Báz saw a 88 mile per hour slider on the first pitch of the at-bat and didn’t miss it. Báez hammered the ball, and it went over the fence in right center at Progressive Field to give the Cubs a 4-1 lead. Báez would proceed to go 0-4 in the rest of the game, but the Cubs defeated Cleveland 8-7 in 10 innings, capturing the team’s first World Series title in 108 years. Báez was heading into the next season with hope that he could improve as a hitter and make a name for himself as a defender. 

     However, Báez’s 2017 season was almost identical to 2016. Báez played in just three more games than the previous season, and he posted the same batting average. While Báez had a very similar year, the Cubs didn’t. They were the third seed in the National League after winning 92 contests. They would head to Washington to start a five game series against the Nationals. Báez would end up going 0-14 in that series, but the Cubs would be able to fight out a Game 5 win in Washington. They would then go to Los Angeles for an NLCS rematch against the Dodgers. Báez went 2-12 in that series with six strikeouts, but his two hits were homers. Bàez was facing the lefty, Alex Wood, who he knew he could hit. The Cubs were down 3-0 in the series, so they had to win that matchup. Báez came up to bat in the bottom of the second inning with the Cubs up 1-0. Wood released the pitch and Báez swung for the fences. He was just able to keep it inside the foul pole in left, as the Cubs took the lead 2-0. Then, he came up again in the fifth inning. The Cubs surrendered 1 run, so the score was 2-1. Wood was still on the mound. Báez saw the pitch go right down the middle, and he jumped on it. That ball also cleared the basket in left field, as the Cubs were up 3-1 against the Dodgers. However, the Cubs would end up surrendering the series to the Dodgers in 5 games. Despite this, Báez’s first two seasons in the Major League were deemed a success. 

     Báez would enter the 2018 season with one goal: to end up as one of faces of Major League Baseball. He would accomplish that goal and much more. Báez ended up coming second in NL MVP voting, only losing to Christian Yelich. Báez would be in the 90th percentile for BatRV (Batted Run Value), BasRV (Baserunning Run Value), xSLG (expected slugging percentage on balls in play), Barrel% and OAA (Defensive Outs Above Average). Báez would appear in 160 games this season, the most of his career. He would have career highs in runs scored (101), hits (176), doubles (40) and triples (9), home runs (34), RBIs (111), stolen bases (21), batting average (.290), slugging percentage (.554) and OPS (.880). Báez recorded 336 total bases, which was third in the National League. His 111 RBIs were the best in the National League, as he was honored with a National League All-Star Appearance. He also competed in the 2018 Home Run Derby, and he won the NL Silver Slugger Award. Despite this extraordinary season from Javy, the Cubs would fail to win the NL Central. They would end up falling one game short of him, with a 95-68 record. The Cubs would be hosting the Colorado Rockies in a win-or-go-home game at Wrigley Field. The game would last 13 gruesome innings, before they would end up falling 2-1. Báez would drive in the Cubs lone run with an RBI single in the 8th inning. 

     The Cubs next two seasons would be extremely underwhelming. In 2019, the Cubs failed to make the postseason for the first time in five years. Then, the 2020 season was shortened due to COVID. The Cubs would play through a 60 game schedule and play the Miami Marlins in the postseason. They would end up being swept in two games, as Chicago would realize that their championship window was closing. Javy Báez would also come back down to Earth. Báez’s hitting dipped down to about an average hitter, while his fielding took off. Always known for his “highlight reel” plays, Báez would enter the 99th and 100th percentile for defensive range, OAA (outs about average) and FRV (fielding run value).  However, everything would change for Javy in 2021. Báez was 91 games into the season for the Cubs when he got a call. 

Mets Stint

     Báez was traded to the New York Mets (with pitcher Trevor Williams) in exchange for top outfield prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong. Chicago also traded other big pieces from the championship team at the 2021 trade deadline. They shipped first baseman Anthony Rizzo to the Yankees, and sent their third baseman, Kris Bryant to the San Francisco Giants. The Cubs would end up winning the trade with the Mets, but it didn’t stop New York from getting the most out of Báez. Báez hit .299 with an on-base percentage of .371. If Báez had kept those numbers up over a full season, he would have had the career bests in those categories. Báez was also spectacular defensively, making numerous plays alongside fellow teammate and friend, Francisco Lindor. Lindor had played with Javy on Team Puerto Rico in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, and they would end up also playing together in the 2023 edition of the tournament. Despite acquiring Báez at the trade deadline, the Mets finished the season with just 77 wins. They were third in the NL East and didn’t make the postseason. 

     Báez wanted to stay in New York, and the Mets wanted to keep him. They offered him $110 million to stay, but Báez was reported seeking a deal closer to a range to $155-$175 million dollars over 6 years. Báez and the Mets negotiated, but couldn’t strike a deal. Báez would then head to free agency to test his luck in the market. Báez got calls from numerous teams, but none made him an offer that really jumped out. Then, the Detroit Tigers entered the sweepstakes. They negotiated with Javy before offering him a 6 year, $140 million dollar contract. The Mets countered with a smaller 5 year, $125 million dollar deal. Báez chose to return to the Midwest and put on a Tigers uniform. 

Tigers Up and Downs

     The Tigers and Báez looked like a perfect combo. Detroit was a young team that could use veteran leadership like Báez’s. It also looked as if they had gotten the most important defensive position secured for the future. Looking back, Detroit was extremely wrong. In their first season with Báez, they would end up finishing fourth in the AL Central with a record of 66-96. Despite this poor performance, the Tigers expected that Javy Báez would at least put up decent numbers. After all, they hadn’t made the postseason since 2014, so Tigers fans were used to losing. However, Báez was brought in to turn their team around, and he failed to do that. 

     Báez was the team’s primary shortstop, but was unable to get going at the plate. Báez still had above average defense, but his -6 batting run value hurt the squad. Báez had a 47.5% chase rate, which landed him in the bottom percentile of all major league hitters. Of 10 advanced hitting metrics, Báez ranked in the bottom half of nine categories. The one where he was in the top half was barrel percentage. He was placed in the 52nd percentile, with just an 8% barrel rate. However, his basic metrics said he played decently. Báez slashed .238/.278/.393 in 2022 which was just about average for that year. However, his glaring issue was the strikeouts. Báez had a whopping 26.5 strikeout percentage, ranking among the league’s worst in baseball. He was still good on defense, so the season wasn’t a complete waste. Going into next season, the Tigers and Báez were determined to make a push for the postseason. 

     Next year was a big step for Báez and the Tigers. However, they were in opposite directions. The Tigers took a leap with a 78-84 record, and earned second place in the AL Central. They just narrowly missed out on the postseason, but it was looking like the future was very bright in Detroit. However, fans were starting to question if Báez would be a part of that future. Báez had regressed in all major statistical categories, and some deemed him the “worst hitter in baseball.” They weren’t necessarily wrong, as his -24 batting run value put him in the bottom 1% of hitters across Major League Baseball. Across 13 advanced hitting categories, Báez ranked in the bottom half of 12 of them. Additionally, in 7 of those original 13 categories, Báez was in the bottom 15th percentile. Also, unlike last season, even his basic stats showed he was below average. Javy especially could not hit relief pitching all year. In 207 at bats, Báez struck out 48 times, giving him a 23.1% strikeout rate against relief pitchers. He also hit just .203 with a .249 on base percentage against anybody who came from the bullpen. Overall, Báez had a .222 batting average, which was the lowest of his career up to that point (not including a shortened 2020 season). 

     For most players, that would be the worst season of their career. However, Báez was an outlier. Báez appeared in just 80 games in the 2024 season, the lowest in his career as a regular in Major League Baseball. Báez would have a batting average of just .184, one of the worst in MLB. Báez did not qualify for any percentile rankings (didn’t play enough games), but his -20 BRV in just 80 games would almost certainly be in the bottom percent of baseball. Báez would end up injuring his hip, and would have season-ending surgery to fix it. However, his team ended up shocking the baseball world. The Tigers were hovering around .500 near the trade deadline, and were actually looking to trade away their stars at the trade deadline. Pitcher Jack Flaherty, reliever Andrew Chafin and catcher Carson Kelly were among players that the Tigers shipped off at the deadline. At one point in the season, the Tigers had a 0.2% chance to make the postseason. Then, the Tigers had some magic moments. 

     On September 5th, the Tigers were playing the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. The Tigers were shutout through eight innings and the Padres put closer, Robert Suarez. The Tigers were down 3-0 and needed a miracle. Suarez gave up a single and a walk before getting the first out. Then, Spencer Torkelson popped up, Colt Keith walked and Kerry Carpenter struck out. Parker Meadows would then come to the plate. Hitting just .223 coming into this at-bat, it looked like the Tigers were going to lose another game. Meadows worked the count full, and then threw a 101 mph fastball on the outside corner. Meadows lifted it to left field, and hoped it would carry. The ball just got over the fence, as the Tigers would win the game 4-3. Even with this win, the Tigers playoff odds were raised to just 7.5%. In the final 20 games of the regular season, the Tigers went 15-5 to close out the final stretch of the year. They had six and four game winning streaks in that stretch, as they were able to clinch the 6 seed in the postseason. 

     The Tigers played a best-of-three series in Houston against the Astros. They had their ace, Tarik Skubal on the mound for Game 1, and won 3-1. They would need just one more win to get to the ALDS. In a must-win game for the Astros, they had the lead late. It was 2-1 heading into the eighth inning when things changed. Kerry Carpenter scored on a wild pitch from closer, Ryan Pressly. Then, with the bases loaded, Andy Ibáñez pinch-hit for Zach McKinstry. Ibáñez had struggled all regular season, but in this one at-bat, he flipped a switch. He laced a bases-clearing double down the left field line, as the Tigers would head into the ALDS. They would face Cleveland in the Divisional Series, as they would be put up to the ultimate test. Cleveland would slam the Tigers in Game 1, and it looked the Guardians would dominate the series. However, the Tigers would win the next two games, meaning they just need to win one of the next two contests to go to the ALCS. However, they would end up losing the next two games, ending their magical run. Despite the sour ending, the Tigers still had tons to look forward to in the future. 

     The Tigers had a magical 2024 season, but most of it was done without Javy Báez. There were even questions about whether or not he would be on the Opening Day roster. Trey Sweeney was going to be the shortstop going forward, and it looked like Báez wasn’t going to have a role on the squad. Báez did get the Opening Day start but was expected to hand over the everyday spot to Sweeney at some point in the year. On April 6th, the Tigers had an idea. After starting the game at shortstop, Báez would be replaced by Trey Sweeney at shortstop. However, Javy wouldn’t be leaving the game. El Mago  played in center field for the first time in his career. Báez would have to wait until April 21st for his first start in center, but he made the most of his opportunity. Báez looked as if he had been playing there all of his life. He was robbing home runs, getting outfield assists, and making web gems all over the field. In 33 games in center field (28 started), Báez  has a fielding percentage (FPCT%) of 100%. Báez has not made an error so far, and has already backpicked a runner for a double play. Báez has a FRV in the 88th percentile, and also has a Range in the 94th percentile. The Tigers would have just been happy with the defensive resurgence, but that hasn’t been all Báez has been providing. 

     From the start of the 2025 MLB season, Báez has been an essential part of the Tigers lineup. 29 games into the season, Báez had a batting average of .301 and led the Tigers in WAR (wins above replacement). Báez still leads the Tigers in WAR, with 1.8 wins above replacement. Of all qualified players on the Tigers (3 plate appearances per team game), Báez ranks number one in batting average, hitting .280. Even though center fielder, Parker Meadows, has returned from injury, the Tigers have kept Javy in the lineup. He has seen playing time at shortstop and 3rd base as well as center field. So far in the season, Báez is just an above average hitter (61st percentile for BRV) and an exceptional fielder (88th percentile for FRV). Feeding off of Báez, the Tigers have also been one of (if not the best) teams in baseball. 

     The Tigers have a 46-27 record, the best in baseball. They are 0.5 games ahead of the Mets, but they have a 2.5 game lead over the Yankees in the AL. In the AL Central standings, the Tigers have a commanding nine game lead over the Minnesota Twins, followed by the Guardians at 9.5. After losing their first 3 games against the Dodgers, the Tigers went 10-3 to start the year. The Tigers have had some impressive series wins including the Yankees, Padres, Giants, Royals and Cubs. Behind star pitcher, Tarik Skubal, who ranks third in strikeouts across MLB, right fielder, Riley Greene, who has been amazing this year, and Javy Báez, the Tigers could be a real threat this season.