Photo: John Fisher / Getty
DETROIT, December 6, 2021 ~ The Detroit Tigers announced that they have agreed to terms with shortstop Javier Báez on a six year contract.
“There’s no secret that improving the middle of our infield was a top priority for us this off-season, and we’re thrilled to announce the addition of one of baseball’s most electric players to help fill that need,” said Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Al Avila.
A native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Báez has played in eight Major League seasons, with 160 doubles, 19 triples, 149 home runs and 465 RBI in 862 games. He has been selected to two All-Star Games, starting for the National League at second base in 2018 and shortstop in 2019.
Báez won a Gold Glove at shortstop in 2020, and according to Sports Info Solutions has led the Majors in defensive runs saved over the last three seasons. He finished second in voting for the National League Most Valuable Player in 2018 with 40 doubles, nine triples, 34 home runs and a National League leading 111 RBI.
“Javy’s track record shows he’ll be an elite defender, and a special bat in the heart of our lineup. He’s a key piece to a highly competitive core of players that we are developing here in Detroit. Javy plays with tremendous passion, and we are looking forward to seeing the natural leadership abilities he brings both on and off the field to help us win.”
“I’m excited to be a Detroit Tiger,” said Baez. “This is a team that is on the rise, and I’ve heard the fans in Detroit are hungry for a winner. We have a strong mix of veterans and talented young players and I’m looking forward to joining this group to make a run at the playoffs and bring the city a World Series championship.”
Báez resides in Dorado, Puerto Rico with his wife, Irmarie Marquez, and their sons, Adrian and Aiden. He was originally selected by the Chicago Cubs with the ninth overall selection in the 2011 MLB Draft from Arlington Country Day School in Florida. Báez was acquired by the Mets along with Trevor Williams from Chicago in exchange for Pete Crow-Armstrong on July 30, 2021.
