It was widely known that former general manager Al Avila burdened Detroit with a regrettable contract when he signed Baez to a six-year, $140 million deal in 2021. Baez, once hailed as one of the game’s hottest talents, earned the nickname “El Mago” for his magical play, but his initial two seasons in Detroit failed to live up to expectations. However, now that he has settled into his new environment, Baez appears to have pulled off his greatest trick yet.
The 2024 season has seen Baez completely vanish from relevance. He currently holds the unfortunate distinction of having the lowest OPS (on-base plus slugging) among qualified MLB hitters at .422. His batting average of .167 ranks second worst in the league, and his WAR (wins above replacement) is dismal, sitting at -1.0.
WAR measures a player’s value compared to a hypothetical replacement-level player, typically someone available from the minor leagues or free agency at a minimum salary. In Baez’s case, it suggests that the Tigers could easily find a better performer within their own farm system or possibly even from the general public.
What exacerbates the situation is Baez’s exorbitant salary. He is Detroit’s highest-paid player by a significant margin, earning $25 million annually. In contrast, the team’s second-highest-paid player, Colt Keith, receives just $28.6 million over six years.
Despite his poor performance, Baez’s contract is fully guaranteed, meaning the Tigers are obligated to pay him $25 million in 2025, followed by $24 million in both 2026 and 2027. This financial commitment raises questions about the message being sent to the team’s young players.
One could argue that team owner Ilitch should cut ties with Baez, sending a clear message that subpar results are unacceptable. However, it remains uncertain whether Ilitch prioritizes on-field success over other business interests.
With a league salary cap of $237 million, the Tigers currently spend just $110 million on a roster composed of struggling youngsters and inconsistent veterans. Consequently, the team’s performance has been mediocre at best, exemplified by their current record of 21-22 and recent shutout losses to the Miami Marlins.
While some may argue that average performance is preferable to Baez’s abysmal showing in 2024, his presence on the roster will likely continue to hinder Detroit’s competitiveness. A proactive owner would take decisive action to rectify the situation, but in Detroit, it appears that other priorities may take precedence over winning baseball games.
