Javier Baez's tenure with the Tigers has been marred by underperformance and injury issues, including a significant hip surgery that sidelined him for much of the 2024 season. His contract, worth over $20 million annually through 2027, has become one of the worst in baseball due to his lack of production, with a .221 batting average and .610 OPS in three seasons. Despite these challenges, manager A.J. Hinch remains optimistic about Baez's rehab progress and potential contributions in 2025, though the team's ability to upgrade at shortstop is complicated by his contract situation.

Javier Báez was brought in by the Tigers on a six-year, $140 million contract with the hope that he would be a cornerstone player. However, he has drastically underperformed, hitting just .221/.262/.347 over three years, which has led to him being considered one of the worst contracts in the league. His production fell sharply in 2024, where he batted .184 before undergoing season-ending hip surgery. With $73 million still owed to him, the Tigers are now looking at a platoon situation with Trey Sweeney, who has shown potential as a viable alternative at shortstop. Anything the team gets from Báez moving forward is seen as a bonus given his recent struggles.

Javier Báez has struggled significantly since joining the Tigers, missing most of the second half of the 2024 season due to a hip injury. His performance has been disappointing, raising questions about his future with the team. With rookie shortstop Trey Sweeney now in the mix, Báez needs to demonstrate he can hit effectively against left-handers to secure consistent playing time moving forward. His substantial contract, worth $73 million over the next three years, adds pressure to his performance as the Tigers look to improve their roster.

Javier Báez is the only player on the Tigers' roster with a guaranteed salary exceeding $10 million heading into 2025. His contract situation could impact the team's financial flexibility as they consider pursuing free agents like Alex Bregman.

Javier Báez, now with the Detroit Tigers, is noted for his dynamic playing style and defensive prowess. However, his performance has been inconsistent, particularly in terms of on-base percentage and strikeouts, which has raised concerns about his long-term value. As a player who previously commanded significant attention in free agency, his current trajectory may affect his marketability in upcoming seasons.