Javier Baez' Future As Detroit Tigers' Shortstop In Doubt

Former two-time All-Star and Gold Glover Javier Baez's decline has been stunning to watch for the Detroit Tigers, particularly since they signed him to a massive 6-year, $140 million contract beginning in 2022. He's struggled to a .221 average with them since coming on board in three seasons, with an equally dreadful .610 OPS.

Now, as the Tigers have reported to Guaranteed Rate Field on the South Side of Chicago for a series with the White Sox, Baez will not be with the team.

Javier Baez has no locker in the Tigers clubhouse at Guaranteed Rate Field
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) August 23, 2024

Baez is now facing his 3rd IL stint this year. First, it was spine issues, then a hip problem. This latest injury is thus far "undisclosed." He'll be turning 32 before the end of the season. And as @totallytigersbb notes, "The reasons for a change at SS just continue to accumulate".

Prospect Trey Sweeney has started three of the last six games at short since his call-up. The former first-round pick was batting .381 in Triple-A since being acquired from the LA Dodgers in the Jack Flaherty trade at the deadline.

This season, Baez has hit new lows, batting just .184 with a .294 slugging and a .516 OPS for an OPS+ of a measly 44. In fact, his OPS+ of 70 in his three years with the Tigers is bottom five among all qualified major leaguers in that time.

The biggest problem for the Tigers is that the Puerto Rican shortstop has three more guaranteed years on his contract worth a total of $73 million.

Shortstop is Sweeney's job to run with for the time being, and perhaps, if he performs well enough, Baez may not get it back.