Tigers’ 2027 payroll leaves Detroit no more excuses to keep Javy Báez an everyday player

After the headache that was watching Javier Báez for the first three years of his seven-year contract with the Detroit Tigers, the first-half resurgence from Báez last year was a breath of fresh air. He embraced positional versatility and, for a few months, turned back the clock on his offensive struggles. It was nice, but short-lived, considering the 33-year-old had a wRC+ of 46 during his final 153 plate appearances of the season.

If anything, it was a reminder that the Tigers need to be very selective with when they insert Báez into the starting lineup, a reminder that hasn't quite registered this season. Báez has 26 plate appearances with the Tigers through the first two weeks of the regular season, and he has a wRC+ of 79 while striking out nearly 27% of the time.

It's been confirmation that, for as great as Báez's run was at the start of the 2025 season, it was the exception to the rule and not the expectation.

Tigers are nearing the end of the line with Javier Baez, but their 2027 payroll outlook gives them freedom.

The conversation surrounding Báez's contract has been exhausted on every level. If there were a path available to the Tigers to trade Báez, they would have done so by now. In fact, the only real reason that Báez is still around with the Tigers is that he was open to playing the outfield last season.

2027 marks the final year of Báez's contract with the Tigers. No, that doesn't make him a trade candidate, but it does push Detroit closer to the light at the end of the tunnel.

The Tigers are likely going to be stuck with Báez one final time next season, but they actually have some freedom. Detroit has a hefty sum of money coming off their books at the end of the season. As of now, the Tigers' 2027 payroll has under $97 million in financial commitments. For reference, the current number is just over $241.5 million.

Báez's contract won't be a burden on the books next season, but the added space coming the Tigers' way would mean that the veteran shouldn't be in an everyday role with the team next year. Scott Harris and Co. will have plenty of resources to fill any position of need.

As a utility player, sure, it would be expensive, but Báez's versatility would have value for the Tigers' roster next season. But it shouldn't go beyond that. Outside of two months in 2025, his tenure in Detroit has been a long-winded confirmation that he's never regaining the success he once had with the Chicago Cubs.

Finally, the Tigers are approaching a time where his contract no longer handcuffs their roster construction.