Two offseasons ago, Javier Baez was part of a talented group of free agent shortstops that included Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Trevor Story.
The Detroit Tigers ended up getting his signature on a six-year, $140 million deal.
With him leading the charge, the Tigers were dreaming about a return to contention.
Things backfired, though, as Baez’s horrible plate discipline showed up and ruined his 2022 campaign.
Last year, he slashed .238/.278/.393 with 17 home runs and nine stolen bases a year after hitting 31 long balls and swiping 18 bags.
Things have been even worse this season for the former dynamic star.
What happened man… pic.twitter.com/4Fh3cKpXda
—MLB Metrics (@MLBMetrics) April 13, 2023
He is hitting .100 with a putrid .263 OPS in 40 at-bats.
As evidenced by his Statcast profile, he ranks near the bottom of the league in important metrics such as average and max exit velocity, hard-hit percentage, barrel percentage, expected batting average and slugging, and more.
In other words, Baez has been one of the worst regulars in baseball.
It’s a far cry from the player he used to be for the Chicago Cubs.
He could change a game with his power, speed, and defense.
Now, he can’t even make contact.
He is one of the most puzzling cases of decline baseball has seen in recent years.
He is 30, though, so there might still be time for him to reverse the course and salvage his career.
He is entering just the second year of his six-year deal.
He needs to start showing something, though.
Cualquier cosa.
The physical tools are there for a turnaround.
Will he overcome his plate discipline issues to achieve it?
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