Tigers Infielder Faces Cloudy Future as Season Hits Second Half

The Detroit Tigers have gotten a boost this season from several unexpected offensive contributors, helping solidify their case as a top contender in the American League. Among the most surprising has been the resurgence of Javier Báez, who entered the year with three seasons remaining on his contract and was even seen as a potential cut from the roster.

After a rough ending to his Cubs tenure and a brief but impressive stint with the Mets that earned him his Detroit deal, Báez quickly became a disappointment for the Tigers, with declining production frustrating both fans and the front office. However, the team’s patience is finally paying off—Báez is performing at a level not seen since his 2019 season.

With two years still left on his deal through 2027, the Tigers now face an intriguing decision after the 2025 season. If Báez keeps up this form, the club might consider trying to move on from the final years of his contract.

Tigers Have an Interesting Decision to Make with Javier Báez

There were already doubts about whether the Tigers had overpaid for Javier Báez even before his performance bottomed out heading into this season. At that point, Detroit appeared stuck with his contract, as no team was interested in taking on a player who had become a major liability at the plate. But his recent resurgence could unexpectedly generate some trade interest.

If Báez’s current level of production proves sustainable, it would make sense for the Tigers to hold onto a player who’s become a key contributor to a contending roster. On the other hand, his recent success stands in stark contrast to his overall track record in Detroit. If a team is willing to take on his contract after the season and give the Tigers flexibility to pursue a more reliable option, it’s a conversation worth having.

Despite the strong stretch, Báez has long been a source of frustration, and a couple of good months don’t erase years of inconsistency. If an opportunity arises in 2025 to move on from his deal, the front office should seriously weigh its options.