Joshua Báez makes history: A dream debut in the Major Leagues
Major League Baseball has witnessed an unprecedented feat. Dominican outfielder Joshua Báez, just 23 years old, has become the first player in MLB history to hit home runs in each of his first three plate appearances during his debut at the highest level with the St. Louis Cardinals.
The stunning debut took place in a matchup against the Chicago Cubs, where Báez demonstrated why he is considered one of the most promising prospects in the entire league. Selected in the second round of the 2021 Draft, the talented player currently holds the third spot among the St. Louis organization’s prospects and is ranked 59th in the global prospect rankings.
A path of perseverance and Dominican roots
Although he was born in Boston, Báez’s upbringing has a deeply Dominican essence. He spent his childhood in Santo Domingo before moving to Dorchester at age 11. His discipline was not limited to the diamond; he taught himself English in a short time and stood out as an honor student, which reflects the work ethic that has defined his career since he joined the Next Level baseball program at age 13.
Behind this success is a promise kept. Joshua Báez dedicated his promotion to the Major Leagues to his father, José Manuel Báez, who was his mentor and passed away in 2023. The young outfielder carries with him the legacy of the man who dreamed of seeing him shine in the best baseball in the world.
Power and versatility: A star profile
Báez’s ability to impact the game goes far beyond home runs. With a power rating of 60 out of 80, the Dominican has shown signs of immense strength since his teenage years. Among his previous feats, a home run that cleared the Dunkin Donuts Park scoreboard stands out, a feat that was etched into the stadium’s history.
- Current season: 37 combined home runs (34 in Triple-A and 3 in MLB).
- Speed and skill: He has recorded fastballs of up to 98 miles per hour and has 149 stolen bases in his minor league career.
- Unique achievement: In 2025, he joined an elite group by completing a 20-home run and 50-stolen base campaign.
- Personal record: He hit an impressive 473-foot grand slam, one of the longest hits recorded by Statcast.
With this historic start, Joshua Báez positions himself as a key piece for the future of the St. Louis Cardinals. His ability to combine power, speed, and a winning mentality places him on an upward trajectory, establishing himself as one of the most exciting figures that Dominican talent has produced in recent years.
