Surprising trade idea from MLB pundit has Tigers fans doing a double take

Trading Javier Báez has long been a dream scenario for many Detroit Tigers fans ... and probably for the Tigers, too. The problem is that Báez has one of the worst contracts in all of baseball. Detroit's six-year pact with Báez, worth $140 million, aged horribly after his first season in 2022, and the prevailing takeaway was that the Tigers would be stuck with that sunk cost.

After appearing to be out of favor with the Tigers last offseason, Báez embraced the idea of being a utility man in 2025, and it didn't amount to the worst of outcomes. Báez had a resurgent first half that led to him being selected to the American League All-Star team, and stepped up to play the outfield when injuries decimated Detroit's roster.

For as uplifting as Baez's comeback story was during the opening months of the season, he still finished the season with only 13 home runs while posting an 86 wRC+ in 437 plate appearances. It was his best season in Detroit since 2022, but still a far cry from the player the Tigers thought they were signing.

Tigers trade buzz takes wild turn thanks to bold MLB pundit pitch

Circling back to the wishful thinking of the Tigers trading Baez, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller casts the 2025 All-Star as being "definitely available" when talking about shortstops available on the trade market. Miller's premise is that Detroit is hopeful someone is willing to take on Báez's contract, which would create an opening for Kevin McGonigle at shortstop.

The obvious pushback is that Báez's contract ensures that he is definitely not available on the trade market. The only reason why Detroit would want to move him is to clear his salary from the books, and that is the very reason he won't be traded.

The former first-round pick is making $48 million over the next two seasons. In other words, it's more than the $41 million Nolan Arenado is making in that same timespan, and it took the Cardinals multiple years to find a trade partner. And even in doing so, trading him to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Cardinals remain on the hook for most of Arenado's money.

At this rate, with only two years left on his deal, Báez's versatility has given him renewed value to Detroit's roster. His contract is still problematic, but his presence shouldn't block McGonigle, who is expected to get reps at third base this season.

Sure, Báez being traded and getting his money off the books would be a great victory for Detroit's offseason, but a dream scenario doesn't mean it's a realistic one.