Javier Báez is finally showing signs of the player the Detroit Tigers hoped to sign when they inked him to a six-year, $140 million deal. After struggling mightily in 2024, hitting just .184, Báez has made significant adjustments to his swing and approach in 2025, which have resulted in a .296 batting average, the second-best on the team. Despite not showcasing his former power, he hit a grand slam against the Houston Astros, indicating a potential return to form.

Báez's improvement has been accompanied by a decrease in his O-swing rate, showing greater selectivity at the plate. While he’s still not back to his All-Star caliber, he’s been an asset defensively, playing multiple positions and ranking highly in fielding metrics. Currently, only two Tigers players have a higher WAR than Báez, hinting that his resurgence might be a pivotal factor for the team this season.