Are Tigers struggling fit Javy Báez onto roster as position-hopping continues?

Remember when we thought Javier Báez playing third base for the Detroit Tigers was a wild concept? Well, we may have to come to grips with yet another position change for the struggling shortstop.

Having never played a single inning in center field, Báez said earlier this month that playing the position was "one of [his] dreams." Well, that dream came true in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Atlanta Braves when manager AJ Hinch penciled Báez into the lineup as the Tigers' starting center fielder.

Admittedly, Báez's first spring start at center field wasn't a particularly challenging one. Starting pitcher Jack Flaherty held the Braves to three hits over six scoreless innings, and Kenta Maeda followed with a perfect inning in relief. Kerry Carpenter made an over-the-shoulder grab in right field, and Justyn-Henry Malloy fielded a ball in left; but Báez didn't see any action in center. It's difficult to judge his aptitude at the position after a game like that.

Tigers clearly have no idea how to fit Javy Báez onto roster as position-hopping continues

Regardless of whether he gets any more looks at center field, the decision to put Báez in the outfield can only be described as a move of desperation by the Tigers. The desperation in question relates not to the Tigers' injury-ravaged outfield – they signed Manuel Margot to address that problem – but rather Báez's continued struggles at the plate.

The highest-paid player on the Tigers' roster, Báez was limited to just 80 games last season due to injuries and hit an abysmal .184/.221/.294. Even when healthy, he has hit just .221/.263/.347 in three years as a Tiger. Meanwhile, Trey Sweeney took over at shortstop in 2024 when Báez went down with a season-ending hip injury and played a major role in the Tigers' surprising playoff run.

Based on merit alone, Sweeney should be the Tigers' everyday shortstop. Báez is still is owed more than $20 million in each of the next three seasons under his nightmare of a contract, though, so he needs to be part of Detroit's everyday lineup. If he can be part of the solution to fill the Tigers' voids at third base and center field, Báez becomes at least somewhat more deserving of a starting role. But jeopardizing the team defensively just to squeeze him into the picture hardly makes sense.

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