Photo by Chris Simon
Free agent infielder Javier Báez and the Detroit Tigers are close to agreeing to a contract, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported late Monday night.
Morosi followed up with a report that if completed, the deal is expected to be for six years.
Báez is known for his elite defensive ability, but as seen with the Mets after coming over in a trade deadline deal with the Chicago Cubs, is an extremely streaky hitter. His walk rate is astronomically low, while his strikeout rate is through the roof. He struck out a career high 184 times in 2021, which led the NL, while only walking 28 times. His OPS was above the league average at .813, but he only posted a .319 OBP.
How might the Mets retaliate? It’s safe to assume that Jeff McNeil will take back his claim as Mets second baseman heading into the 2022 season. One thing’s for sure though, the Tigers mean business as they’ve added on another big contract after giving out $77 million to Eduardo Rodríguez.
