Detroit Tigers fans react to news of Javier Báez opting into contract

The Detroit Tigers fanbase is divided in their opinions on Javier Báez, here's their reactions.

Sep 21, 2023; Oakland, California, USA; Detroit Tigers infielder Javier Baez (28) walks to the field
Sep 21, 2023; Oakland, California, USA; Detroit Tigers infielder Javier Baez (28) walks to the field / Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
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Here's some Detroit Tigers fan reactions to Javier Báez opting in.

The Detroit Tigers saw infielder Javier Báez opt into the remaining four years of his contract. He's due $98 million and will remain with the Tigers through the 2027 season, barring any trades/DFA down the line. Those options are unlikely, and Báez likely remains in the Motor City.

The Detroit Tigers fanbase has been indifferent on Báez since he agreed to his contract in Detroit. You could poll ten fans about how they feel about Báez and his contract, and the results will be a mixed bag. There's been some hate about him and the moxie/swagger that he plays with.

That being said, the fanbase had some mixed feelings on the news that Báez was going to opt into his contract, staying in Detroit. While it seemed like free money, there was some possible speculation that he may test the free agent market, but Báez will be sticking with the Tigers.

Let's dive into some of the Tigers faithful's reactions to this news.

Reaction #1: Keeping things light to start

Keeping things light, we'll start with a meme. Dave Barr (@DaveBarr12470) replied to the announcement from Evan Petzold with a gif of someone diving into a pool of money. Given that Báez is owed $98 million over four seasons, he will take home a good chunk of change for the Tigers as he patrols shortstop.

He'll take home $25 million the next two seasons and $24 million in his final two seasons as a Tiger, carrying a $23.3 million "cap hit" per se as his Luxury Tax Salary. Báez has not exactly been amazing, so taking home $25 million a year may be considered a steal by some, which is what Barr is poking fun at here with the gif above--gotta love some light-hearted content.

Reaction #2: There has to be some improvements

Another reply in the Petzold announcement comes from Alexander Pawlik (@cenafan2013). He's a bit more critical in his reply, talking about Báez's struggles at the plate at times, the whiffs especially. Pawlik comments on Báez's plate discipline and some improvements surely would do him some justice.

In 2023, Baez slashed a putrid .222/.267/.325 with only 24 walks and 125 strikeouts over his 510 at-bats. The Tigers shortstop has struggled with his swing decisions, which has been something that plagued his career, not just his time in Detroit. The memes of Báez's whiffs are countless if you look at social media.

Báez had a 32.6% whiff rate, paired with an even more daunting 44.0% chase rate. This means he's nearly chasing half of the pitches he sees outside the zone. It's certainly an area of his game that needs to be improved, whether he's got his money locked in or not.

The Tigers need to be expecting better from Báez and his performance needs to improve. If the Tigers are going to rock with Báez (it was a player option so not really their choice), there have to be some improvements to keep him around moving forward.

Again, not that Detroit has much of a say in that, but there has to be at least be some hope that Báez can look to make some sort of improvements in the weaker areas in his game. Taking more pitches and looking for some more walks would be a good start, especially after his measly 4.4% walk rate this year.

Reaction #3: Could there be a buyout down the line?

Another Tigers fan is predicting the "cleansing of the Al Avila" era that could come down the line. Steve (@buzzybd) mentions that Báez could be subject to a buyout down the line, prompting the Tigers to move the needle and seek out a new shortstop, ending the Báez and Al Avila era in Detroit.

It's certainly a move that would make some happy, and may not be happening before 2024 or 2025, but expect there to be some buyout buzz with Báez down the line if things do continue a downward trend. It may be a lesser-than-likely occurrence, but it certainly could happen down the line.

Reaction #4: Maybe the Detroit Tigers will swap bad contracts via a trade

Another angle here comes from Fredi the Pizza Man 313 (@FrediThePizzamn), who suggested the Tigers make a trade to swap some dead money. Fredi brings up the Colorado Rockies, who have a lengthy deal to payout with former star Kris Bryant, another former Chicago Cubs legend.

Bryant has bounced around himself, and is still owed plenty of money, as is mentioned in the tweet. Maybe a change of scenery does him well as he looks to finish out his career. Detroit and Colorado could consider swapping the two, hoping for a change of scenery to spark some good performances.

Fredi makes a good point here, one that could be explored down the line, especially if the Tigers start to have conversations to move Báez if there are any suitors possibly. But again, the financial aspect would likely make this one a hard sell, but with the Rockies, as proposed, it would be more of a swap of bad contracts.

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