Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Detroit Tigers have talked to free agent infielder Javier Báez in recent days.
In 186 plate appearances with the Mets after he was acquired in advance of the July 31st trade deadline, Báez slashed .299/.371/.515 with nine home runs, 22 RBI, and 32 runs scored. That offensive performance led to 143 wRC+, along with noticeable improvements in his walk rate (4.2% before trade, 7.0% after trade) and strikeout rate (36.3% before trade, 28.5% after trade).
After compiling 2.0 fWAR in 91 games played for the Chicago Cubs, he posted 1.7 fWAR in just 47 games played for New York.
The Red Sox and Mets are two others teams that have shown early interest in the 28-year-old Báez. It’s been widely reported that El Mago would like to sign before the potential lockout starts on December 2.
The Tigers have also met with free agent star shortstop Carlos Correa. We profiled Correa’s talents earlier today.
Detroit feels like they’re ready to contend, and they jump started the offseason by trading for veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart and signing free agent lefty Eduardo Rodriguez.
