The emergence of the Detroit Tigers has been one of the better stories in baseball, with how well the first months of the season have gone. The franchise currently has a 9.5-game lead over the next closest team in the American League Central. It is a race the Tigers are dominating, and it doesn't appear that this is going to change anytime soon.
While Detroit has been given due credit for the impressive season, an underreported story continues to be the return of World Series champion and current Tigers infielder Javier Baez. Those outside of Detroit need to look back at the veteran's stats for the last three seasons.
Things grew so dark last season that it was a legitimate argument that the team could opt to designate the huge contract for assignment. Baez hit .184 and was a liability at the bottom of the Tigers' lineup. However, the clock has been turned back this season with the infielder fueling the Detroit offense, offering a .293 average and showing improved power numbers. Everything about Baez's approach is drastically different, reminding fans of the player he was with the Chicago Cubs.
Tigers Infielder Javier Baez Deserves More Credit for Impressive Turnaround
Baez has given the Detroit lineup an incredible boost by setting the table at the bottom of the lineup. No longer at the final two spots in the order, easy outs. Patient at-bats and consistent quality swings have made Tiger fans wonder what has happened to a player once thought to be on his way out of the organization.
While this story has been well-covered by Detroit media and those within the organization, it should be a bigger story. Baez is a World Series winner who has put his career back on track after it appeared to be nearing its end. This has been a huge piece of what Detroit has accomplished, along with the top of the lineup and shockingly reliable pitching.
The Tigers and Baez are both going to have to continue to perform at their current level to earn deserved national attention. Regardless, it remains one of the most enjoyable stories of the 2025 season and is a welcome addition to a surprisingly great Tigers lineup.