3 Detroit Tigers players who'll be better in 2023 and 2 who won't

SS Javier Baez

I went back and forth on this one for a bit, but I decided that Baez should be better in 2023 than he was in 2022. He was good enough in the second half of last season where I think that's a distinct possibility. He hit .268 in the second half of the season compared to just .213 before the All-Star break.

I think people forget that he injured his thumb in April and it clearly still bothered him for a good chunk of the season. It still didn't affect his general approach at the plate, but his ability to make hard contact—something he's usually pretty good at—was clearly diminished.

Now, he's had a whole offseason to let that thumb heal. If he can get back to making hard contact consistently and hitting for more power, that should help Tigers fans deal with all the whiffing and strikeouts.

He'll also have some new hitting coaches to work with. It was clear that Scott Coolbaugh's approach wasn't working well for anyone, especially Baez. He actually struck out less than he ever has. I don't know about you, but I'd be willing to sacrifice more strikeouts for some more power.

If he stays healthy and the new coaching staff can help him, Baez should be better in 2023.