The Detroit Tigers are looking to make the playoffs for a third consecutive season, and if they get there, they could certainly use meaningful contributions from Javier Baez.
Baez is entering the fifth year of his six‑year, $140 million contract, and with the Tigers not operating in MLB’s higher payroll tiers, they need him to be an impactful player.
Earlier in his career with the Chicago Cubs, he established himself as that type of difference‑maker, earning both a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger.
For the first half of the deal, the contract looked like a burden, but Baez delivered real value in 2025. He had an outstanding first half, learned the outfield, became a true super‑utility option for manager A.J. Hinch and produced enough at the plate to earn an All‑Star selection.
However, Baez cooled off dramatically in the second half, making this spring an important one for him. Across 126 games, the 33‑year‑old finished with a .257 batting average, .282 on‑base percentage, .680 OPS, 12 home runs and 57 RBIs.
Baez was preparing to take the field for Detroit on Tuesday in an exhibition matchup against Team Dominican Republic. But moments before first pitch, the Tigers announced he had been removed from the lineup due to an injury.
“Javier Baez has been scratched due to lower back tightness,” the team wrote on X. Top outfield prospect Max Clark took his place in the lineup.
For Baez, the severity of the issue is unknown, but the hope is that it is precautionary. He dealt with injuries in 2025 and is aiming to stay on the field more consistently this season.
Baez originally hoped to play for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, and in another scenario he likely would not have been in Tigers camp at all. But his WBC suspension for marijuana use prevents him from participating, something that does not affect his MLB availability, which is fortunate for Detroit.
Now the Tigers must hope Baez’s back tightness subsides quickly, because a healthy and productive version of him could be a huge plus for a team trying to take the next step in the American League.