Javier Báez's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez (hip) has initiated a running program and is expected to begin light defensive drills later this week. Baez underwent season-ending hip surgery in August, but based on his current progress, he may be ready for Spring Training. Earlier this offseason, team president Scott Harris noted that the former World Series champion will have a role on the 2025 roster. Before the injury, the 32-year-old posted a .184/.221/.294 line with just six home runs and eight stolen bases. He generated a low .264 xwOBA and .345 xSLG. In addition, he posted a low 4.2% walk rate and a high 23.9% K rate. While he may have a role in the starting nine as the everyday shortstop, fantasy managers should keep Baez off their radar, given his lack of stable offensive output.

Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez (hip) is expected to be part of workouts in spring training in February after having surgery on his hip, according to president of baseball operations Scott Harris. Despite Baez's massive decline since joining the Tigers, the team still sees a role for him, particularly if his surgery helps him move more like he did when he was younger. The 31-year-old's 2024 season ended early in early September when he had surgery on his right hip. Perhaps his hip injury was part of the reason why he was atrocious again this year with a .184/.221/.294 slash line, six home runs, 37 RBI and eight stolen bases in just 80 games played. Since joining the Tigers in 2022, Baez has hit .221/.263/.347 with a .610 OPS, 32 homers, 163 RBI and 29 stolen bases in 360 games. He still has three years and $73 million left on his deal, but regular playing time won't be guaranteed to Baez in 2025.

Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez (hip), who was moved to the 60-day injured list on Monday, will have season-ending arthroscopic right-hip surgery next week. Another hugely disappointing season comes to an end early for Baez. The 31-year-old Puerto Rican infielder has somehow gotten worse in each year in Detroit and will finish the 2024 campaign with a .184/.221/.294 slash line with a career-worst .516 OPS, six home runs, 37 RBI, eight steals and 25 runs scored in 289 plate appearances over 80 games played. Given how bad he's been in his tenure with Detroit, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Tigers move in another direction heading into 2025. With Baez now out for the rest of this year, rookie Trey Sweeney should see most of the starts at the 6, although Ryan Kreidler could also mix in for the Tigers.