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.