Detroit Tigers slugger Javier Báez is earning high praise from one of his teammates. Pitcher Jack Flaherty believes Báez should be in the conversation for this year’s Comeback Player of the Year award.
“You can’t count guys out,” Flaherty told USA Today. “Especially someone like him—he’s as talented as anyone who’s ever played and works incredibly hard. The changes he’s made, even taking on a new role in center field, have been impressive. I’m really happy for him—it’s been great to watch.”
This season, Báez is batting .307 with an .855 OPS, a major turnaround from last year when he hit just .184 over 80 games.
Javier Baez is pushing the Tigers forward
Javier Báez is playing under a sizable contract with the Tigers, so the team is likely thrilled to see him performing well. This season, he’s hit six home runs and driven in 28 runs.
On Friday, Báez homered in a 5-4 victory over the Blue Jays, marking his sixth long ball of the season — equaling his total from all of last year. Given that it’s only May, it’s a promising sign that he’s finding his form again.
A possible factor in his resurgence is a position change. At the Tigers’ request, Báez has shifted from the infield to the outfield, a move he has embraced.
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“I was a little excited, honestly,” Báez told MLB.com. “I like to play outfield — I played it as a kid and still shag fly balls out there. That’s why A.J. approached me, and I was really happy about it.”
Tigers fans have reason to be pleased with Báez’s performance, especially with Detroit sitting atop the American League Central standings.
