The Rebirth of “El Mago”: Javier Báez and His Redemption in Detroit
Javier Báez’s return to Wrigley Field last August promised to be an emotional reunion. Chicago, where he lived his best moments, winning a World Series and a Silver Slugger, as well as being selected for two All-Star Games. Known as “El Mago” for his spectacular play, his return to the city that saw him shine generated great expectation, but his performance did not meet expectations.
Amidst cheers, Báez struck out four times in his first game, and the last game of that series would be the last he would play in 2024. A hip problem had affected his performance and mobility on the field.
“Honestly, I can only say that I didn’t make excuses when I struggled for three years. It’s not that I wasn’t working. I was practically playing hurt. I didn’t want to be out of the lineup. I didn’t want to waste time. I had good energy all the time. I didn’t have a negative attitude. It was very frustrating, but I’m the same guy every day. My teammates know it.”
Javier Báez
The conversation with his manager came a week before the series in Chicago, but Báez wanted to play at Wrigley Field before the season ended. His ability to hit and run, characteristics of his game, were limited, and his numbers reflected these limitations. In his three years in Detroit, his OPS decreased drastically.
Báez underwent hip surgery and began a rehabilitation process, paying more attention to his body than ever before. The Tigers’ situation changed, and how and where Báez would fit in the future was uncertain. Detroit won its next six games after losing that series against the Cubs, and began a 31-13 run to finish the season. The Tigers achieved an improbable wild card berth, their first playoff appearance in nine years. Báez, who was signed to be the face of Detroit’s return to prominence in baseball, had to watch it all from home.
“When that streak happened, he saw a team mature from afar. I think he noticed that the team was growing and that this place could win.”
A.J. Hinch
Báez wanted to be part of that. Hinch waited until spring training to address the 32-year-old player’s role in a lineup full of young talents.
“I told him, ‘I think you should be the most versatile player on our team and you should play everywhere.’ And I want to start him tomorrow at third base.”
A.J. Hinch
Moving around the diamond was nothing new for Báez. Upon debuting in the Major Leagues in 2014, he played second base and shortstop for the Cubs. A year later, he added third base to his resume. Before leaving Chicago, he had played in all infield positions, with the exception of catcher, as well as in the outfield in one game. His versatility was key for a Cubs team that also had many position player options.
The center garden was a place where Báez had never played, but learning the position on the fly offered an opportunity when Parker Meadows was injured. Hinch approached Báez regarding a position change once more.
“I started to smile. I always caught balls there. This was my chance to play in a game.”
Javier BáezAfter accepting his new role, Báez had one more thing to prove to the Tigers: that he could hit enough to stay in the lineup.Nic Antaya/Getty ImagesEvery time Báez was asked how he was doing at the plate during his previous years in Detroit, his answer was the same: “trying to stay away from that slider,” he would say with a nod.
An extreme version of the pitch, now known as the “sweeper”, has become very popular in recent seasons and has become Báez’s kryptonite. In each season from 2021 to 2024, his swing-and-miss percentage on sweepers was between 46% and 53%. The league average against the pitch is 28.6%.
But when the Tigers crafted their plan for Báez this season, they weren’t looking for him to become something he isn’t against sweepers and sliders. Instead, they just wanted him to do damage again on pitches he could hit.
“He’s lowered his hands and is a bit more closed. He’s been able to get to more pitches… and crush some mistakes.”
Scott Harris
“I think he simplified his plan. He’s condensed some of his body movements. It’s much simpler. I see him winning more first pitches. Having the nerves and the novelty of a new position took his mind off the offense.”
A.J. Hinch
The reward was immediate. In April, Báez batted .297 with an on-base percentage of .337. A year ago, he batted .198 in the first month of the season. His power came later. After not hitting a home run until the last day of April, he hit five in May.
The power surge even included the signature type of play that Tigers fans had been waiting to see from Báez for three years.
Báez, who had already impacted the game with a three-run homer in the sixth inning to put Detroit ahead 6-4. But the Red Sox tied the score with a home run in the eighth inning, setting the stage for Báez’s heroics in extra innings. With Boston leading 9-7 in the bottom of the 11th, Báez came to the plate with two runners on base.
Báez’s three-run homer, which electrified the Tigers’ dugout and all of Comerica Park, came against a slider, of all pitches. In fact, both home runs that night came against his nemesis pitch. But instead of chasing them, he did what he was supposed to do: handle a pitch he could hit. Both were in the zone, seemingly waiting for Báez to destroy them. And he did.
“I’ve been there before,” Báez said about the dramatic moment. “But we don’t enjoy it when you’re young. Now, I’m having fun and being myself out there. My teammates surrounded me.”
Seven months after watching from afar as his teammates entered October, Báez was at the center of the celebration. Even in the worst moments, he remained “revered” in the Tigers’ clubhouse, according to Hinch. He never openly showed his frustration or allowed his individual struggles to sink the rest of the team. While outsiders might misinterpret his body language at times, a Tigers official called his stoic demeanor “unflappable”.
“Baseball is very hard. Sometimes people lose sight of that. Great players can struggle, but don’t give up on them. People wanted to give up on Javy. A lot of people wanted to give up on me [when I was sent to the minors]. We’re playing the long game here. You knew it was in there. He just needed to unlock it again. He’s probably one of the three most special players I’ve witnessed live. That moment was electrifying.”
Spencer Torkelson
Like a decade ago, Báez is once again a contributor on a team with aspirations of playing deep into October. Performing in front of sold-out crowds, as the Tigers did last weekend against his former team, when the Cubs visited in a battle of first-place clubs, has everyone energized in the Motor City. Especially their shortstop/third baseman/second baseman/center fielder.
“And I’m hitting the slider better,” Báez said with a smile.
Well. Maybe a little.
