Javier Báez DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

According to the Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold, Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez (hip) is expected to be ready for Opening Day in late March. Baez is doing full hitting and defensive drills and will continue to progress his return to play running progression upon his arrival to spring training. The 32-year-old had a right hip labral repair in September of last year but should be ready for the start of the 2025 season, barring any setbacks in spring training. It's good news that Baez should be healthy for Opening Day, but his struggles since he arrived in Detroit mean that he'll have to compete with young infielder Trey Sweeney for playing time at the 6 this year. In only 80 games in 2024, the former Cubs sensation hit just .184 with a career-low .515 OPS, six home runs and 37 RBI. Baez should remain with the Tigers in 2025, but a bench role might be on tap.

The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen says it's unclear if Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez (hip) will be ready for Opening Day after he had hip surgery last September. And if Baez is healthy, it's unclear if the Tigers will even give him a shot to reclaim the starting job at the 6. Beyond Baez, keeping both Zach McKinstry and Trey Sweeney, who both hit from the left side, could give the team a left-handed-heavy roster. Sweeney has minor-league options remaining, so in theory, he's more likely to be the odd man out going into the regular season. However, Sweeney helped fuel the Tigers' postseason run last year, which could make for a tough decision if Baez is healthy come Opening Day. Another option would but cutting Baez and eating the rest of the $73 million left on his six-year deal, but that's highly unlikely. After Baez's drastic fall the last few years, fantasy managers will be staying away from him.

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.