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The Detroit Tigers are set to host the Chicago Cubs for a three-game series this weekend, and it's shaping up to be a potential World Series preview given that, as of Wednesday, the Tigers and Cubs are the two best teams in Major League Baseball.
With the Cubs coming to town, one of the biggest storylines will be Javier Baez playing against his former club. In making a case for being the American League's Comeback Player of the Year, Baez's success with the Tigers is reminiscent of the success he had with the Cubs during the first eight years of his career. While Baez has cooled off a bit since his start, his 107 OPS+ this season is the highest mark he's had since the 2021 season he split between the Cubs and New York Mets.
What Tigers fans may not realize is just how deep their favorite team's ties to the Cubs run.
Revenge games will be the theme for the Cubs and Tigers this weekend
- Zach McKinstry
McKinstry spent part of the 2022 season with the Cubs after being traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was a point of transition for the Cubs, as they closed the contention window on the team that won the World Series in 2016, and developed the core that has them finding success this season. In 47 games with the Cubs in 2022, McKinstry slashed .206/.272/.361.
This season, with the Tigers, McKinstry is enjoying the best season of his career, posting a 120 OPS+ through his first 211 plate appearances this season.
- Gleyber Torres
While having never played a game for the Cubs at the Major League level, Gleyber Torres did play a part in the Cubs winning the World Series in 2016. The Cubs included Torres in a Trade Deadline deal with the New York Yankees that season, landing closer Aroldis Chapman in the trade.
- Matthew Boyd
Meanwhile, Tigers fans may see a familiar face in the Cubs' clubhouse this weekend as Matthew Boyd is a member of their starting rotation. Boyd started for the Cubs in their Wednesday loss to the Washington Nationals, so he won't get the opportunity to face his former team this time around.