INCREDIBLE COMEBACK: Javier Báez Reinvents Himself as Tigers’ All-Star Center Fielder After Hip Injury Nightmare

By [joyce]

DETROIT — In a season full of surprises, perhaps nothing has been more remarkable than the transformation of Javier Báez — the two-time All-Star shortstop whose career seemed to be on the brink just a year ago.

After a disastrous, injury-plagued 2024 campaign that left fans questioning whether he would ever return to form, Báez has not only bounced back but done so in spectacular fashion. Now patrolling center field, a position he had never played full-time in the major leagues, Báez is hitting .284 with a .778 OPS and has been named to the American League All-Star team for the third time in his career — this time as a center fielder.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” Báez said Tuesday in a packed Tigers clubhouse. “I knew I had to find a way to contribute again, to help this team win. Changing positions wasn’t easy, but it gave me a fresh start.”

A Season to Forget

Last year was, by almost any measure, the low point of Báez’s baseball life. Signed to a six-year, $140 million deal to be the face of the Tigers’ rebuild, Báez struggled at the plate and in the field. When he was finally shut down in August due to a chronic hip injury, many wondered if his best days were behind him.

He finished 2024 batting .219 with only seven home runs and looked visibly uncomfortable any time he had to move laterally in the infield.

“It was hard,” Báez admitted. “There were days I didn’t know if I’d be able to run again without pain, let alone play every day.”

Behind the scenes, though, Báez committed himself to a rigorous offseason rehab program in Miami, working with specialists to regain strength and flexibility.

A Bold Reinvention

When Báez arrived in Lakeland for Spring Training, he shocked teammates and coaches with a bold proposal: he wanted to try center field.

“I knew if I was going to stay on the field and make an impact, I had to reinvent myself,” he explained. “Center field was a challenge I was ready for.”

Manager A.J. Hinch was initially skeptical, but after watching Báez track fly balls with the same fearlessness he once applied to line drives in the hole at shortstop, he decided to give it a shot.

“He attacked it,” Hinch said. “Javy’s always been one of the most athletic guys in the league. His instincts and work ethic have been incredible.”

By mid-April, Báez was the Tigers’ everyday center fielder — a move that, in hindsight, might have saved his career.

A New Identity, Same Fire

With less strain on his hip and a renewed sense of purpose, Báez has become a stabilizing force in Detroit’s outfield.

Teammates rave about his energy and leadership. Coaches marvel at how quickly he’s adapted to tracking balls in the gaps, and the numbers support the eye test: Báez ranks among the league leaders in Outs Above Average for center fielders this season.

He’s also rediscovered his swing. Báez has already eclipsed his extra-base hit total from last year and is on pace for his best offensive season since 2019.

“People forget how dangerous he can be,” said Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. “When Javy’s locked in, he’s a game-changer.”

All-Star Recognition

Earlier this week, Báez’s remarkable turnaround was formally recognized when he was named an American League All-Star.

“I didn’t expect it,” Báez admitted, his voice catching with emotion. “To go from where I was — thinking maybe I was done — to hearing my name called again…it means everything.”

The All-Star nod is a validation not only of Báez’s talent but of the grit it took to rebuild himself physically and mentally.

“It shows kids watching that you can fight through the hard times,” he said. “You just have to keep believing.”

A Spark for Detroit

Báez’s resurgence has been a catalyst for the Tigers’ surprising success.

Detroit entered Wednesday’s games with a 43-39 record, sitting just a game and a half out of a playoff spot. While the emergence of Colt Keith and the steadiness of Riley Greene have drawn headlines, Báez’s transformation has quietly stabilized the roster and inspired the clubhouse.

“He’s our heartbeat,” Hinch said. “When Javy is confident, everyone feeds off that energy.”

Longtime Tigers fans have noticed, too. At Comerica Park, Báez’s name is once again greeted with cheers instead of groans.

“You can feel the buzz,” said season-ticket holder Martha Glover. “It’s like he’s a completely different player.”

Looking Ahead

While no one knows exactly what the future holds for Báez — or for the Tigers — his story stands as a testament to perseverance.

“I don’t take anything for granted now,” Báez said, smiling. “I’m just grateful to be out here, playing the game I love, and helping my team.”

For a player once written off as an overpaid disappointment, that may be the biggest victory of all.