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

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.