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

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.