LAKELAND, Florida (AP) — The Detroit Tigers were determined to acquire a front-line shortstop, and it turned out that there were several available at free agency this winter. Some are still available.
But the Tigers and Javier Baez soon understood each other. The Puerto Rican signed a six-year contract in November, shortly before the 99-day lockout began.
“I was excited to start a new chapter and didn't know what was going to happen next, so I made the smart choice,” Baez acknowledged. “I hope (that the other shortstops) make it and that they don't miss games of the season.”
The two-time “All-Star” participated on Monday in the first training session with his new team.
“It feels good,” he said. “I felt this way when I was redeemed and I did very well in New York. So I'm happy about this new chapter and we'll see how far we can go.”
Baez's $140 million six-year contract is the biggest the Tigers have ever given since Miguel Cabrera signed for $248 million and eight years.
“We wanted an elite shortstop and we got one who wanted to be here,” acknowledged manager A.J. Hinch. “It was important that Javy believed what we are doing. He was a winning player. It certainly has had its ups and downs, like all players, but we think it will help with their winning mentality and take us to the next level.”
Baez finished second in the 2018 National League MVP vote with the Chicago Cubs. He averages 31 home runs in the last three seasons.
“It seems to me that it will set the beat for us,” said the Venezuelan Cabrera. “I'm happy to play with him and I hope we have a great year together.”
The Cubs sent Baez to the Mets on the trade deadline last summer, but the Mets were already committed to Francisco Lindor in their position after recovering from injury. Baez finished 2021 with 31 home runs and led the NL with 184 strikeouts, entering free agency at the age of 29.
“As for the defense as a torpedo boat, it will surely be well above the average of taking outs,” Hinch said. “Yes, he makes some mistakes, but he is one of the most dynamic players in the league.”
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