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

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.