Ednel Javier "Javy" Báez (born December 1, 1992), nicknamed "El Mago" (Spanish for "the Magician"), is a Puerto Rican professional
baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball games, bat-and-ball sport played between two team sport, teams of nine players each, taking turns batting (baseball), batting and Fielding (baseball), fielding. The game occurs over the course of several Pitch ...
utility player
In sports, a utility player is one who can play several positions competently. Sports in which the term is often used include association football, basketball, American football, baseball, rugby union, rugby league, softball, ice hockey, and water ...
for the
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. One of the AL's eight chart ...
of
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league composed of 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (baseball), National League (NL) and the American League (AL), with 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. MLB i ...
(MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The Cubs compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Division. Th ...
and
New York Mets
The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of Queens. The Mets compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National ...
. On the international level, he represents the
Puerto Rican national team.
Born in
Puerto Rico
; abbreviated PR), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a Government of Puerto Rico, self-governing Caribbean Geography of Puerto Rico, archipelago and island organized as an Territories of the United States, unincorporated territo ...
, Báez attended high school in
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville ( ) is the most populous city proper in the U.S. state of Florida, located on the Atlantic coast of North Florida, northeastern Florida. It is the county seat of Duval County, Florida, Duval County, with which the City of Jacksonv ...
. The Cubs selected Báez with the ninth overall selection of the
2011 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2014 and played for the Cubs for eight years before he was traded to the Mets in 2021. After the 2021 season, he entered free agency where he then signed a six-year contract with the Tigers.
Báez was named the
National League Championship Series
The National League Championship Series (NLCS) is a best-of-seven playoff and one of two League Championship Series comprising the penultimate round of Major League Baseball's (MLB) postseason. It is contested by the winners of the two Natio ...
co-MVP alongside left-handed starter
Jon Lester
Jonathan Tyler Lester (born January 7, 1984) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals, and St. Louis Cardinals. L ...
as the Cubs clinched their 2016 National League pennant en route to winning the
2016 World Series
The 2016 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2016 season. The 112th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff between the National League (NL) champion Chicago Cubs and the American Leag ...
. He is a two-time
All-Star
An all-star team is a group of people all having a high level of performance in their field. Originating in sports, it has since drifted into vernacular and has been borrowed heavily by the entertainment industry.
Sports
"All-star" as a sport ...
, as well as a
Gold Glove Award
The Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to as simply the Gold Glove, is the award given annually to the Major League Baseball (MLB) players judged to have exhibited superior individual Fielding (baseball), fielding performances. It is awar ...
, and
Silver Slugger Award
The Silver Slugger Award has been awarded annually since 1980 to the best Batting (baseball), offensive player at each Baseball positions, position in both the American League (AL) and the National League (baseball), National League (NL), as determ ...
winner. He is also the cover athlete for ''
MLB The Show 20''.
Early life
Born and raised in
Puerto Rico
; abbreviated PR), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a Government of Puerto Rico, self-governing Caribbean Geography of Puerto Rico, archipelago and island organized as an Territories of the United States, unincorporated territo ...
, Báez and his two brothers, Gadiel and Rolando, became familiar with baseball through their father, Ángel Luis Báez who, before his death when Javier was ten, heavily influenced their life and was responsible for their interest in the sport.
The brothers later immortalized this interest by getting tattoos of
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league composed of 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (baseball), National League (NL) and the American League (AL), with 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. MLB i ...
's (MLB) logo, which symbolized that "baseball has been in
heir
Inheritance is the practice of receiving private property, titles, debts, entitlements, privileges, rights, and obligations upon the death of an individual. The rules of inheritance differ among societies and have changed over time. Offi ...
lives forever."
[
Báez moved to ]Florida
Florida ( ; ) is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern region of the United States. It borders the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Alabama to the northwest, Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia to the north, the Atlantic ...
in 2005 along with his mother and siblings, two brothers and a sister. The move was so that his sister, Noely, could get medical treatment for her spina bifida
Spina bifida (SB; ; Latin for 'split spine') is a birth defect in which there is incomplete closing of the vertebral column, spine and the meninges, membranes around the spinal cord during embryonic development, early development in pregnancy. T ...
condition. As a middle school student, it took time for Báez to adapt because he was unable to fluently speak or understand English. Báez eventually learned the language through trial and error in a process that lasted for three years, memorizing words before knowing their actual meaning.
Amateur career
Báez attended Arlington Country Day School (ACD) in Jacksonville
Jacksonville ( ) is the most populous city proper in the U.S. state of Florida, located on the Atlantic coast of North Florida, northeastern Florida. It is the county seat of Duval County, Florida, Duval County, with which the City of Jacksonv ...
, Florida
Florida ( ; ) is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern region of the United States. It borders the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Alabama to the northwest, Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia to the north, the Atlantic ...
. His coach at ACD, Ron Dickerson, noted that initially scouts were not impressed by him, noting his talent, but not believing he could become a star. Dickerson emphasized that Báez's work ethic was responsible for positioning him as a real prospect. As a sophomore, he had a .463 batting average
Batting average is a statistic in cricket, baseball, and softball that measures the performance of batters. The development of the baseball statistic was influenced by the cricket statistic.
Cricket
In cricket, a player's batting average is ...
with 38 hits
Hits or H.I.T.S. may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media Music
* '' H.I.T.S.'', 1991 album by New Kids on the Block
* ''...Hits'' (Phil Collins album), 1998
* ''Hits'' (compilation series), 1984–2006; 2014, a British compilation album s ...
, of which nine were doubles and 13 were home run
In baseball, a home run (abbreviated HR) is scored when the Baseball (ball), ball is hit in such a way that the batting (baseball), batter is able to circle the bases and reach home plate safe (baseball), safely in one play without any error ( ...
s. Making 82 plate appearance
In baseball, a player is credited with a plate appearance (denoted by PA) each time he completes a turn batting. Under Rule 5.04(c) of the Official Baseball Rules, a player completes a turn batting when he is put out or becomes a runner. This ha ...
s in 25 games, he also gathered 60 runs batted in
A run batted in or runs batted in (RBI) is a statistic in baseball and softball that credits a batter for making a play that allows a run to be scored (except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play). For example, if th ...
(RBIs). By the time his junior season was over, Báez was a highly rated Aflac All-America
The All-America designation is an annual honor bestowed on outstanding athletes in the United States who are considered to be among the best athletes in their respective sport. Individuals receiving this distinction are typically added to an Al ...
n. In his senior season, he recorded 64 hits in 83 at-bat
In baseball, an at bat (AB) or time at bat is a batter's turn batting against a pitcher. An at bat is different from a plate appearance. A batter is credited with a plate appearance regardless of what happens upon completion of his turn at bat, b ...
s to gather an average of .771, which included 20 doubles and 10 home runs. In total, Báez recorded 52 RBIs in 30 games. During his time at ACD, he never played a position steadily. After working at second base
In baseball and softball, second baseman, abbreviated 2B, is a fielding position in the infield, between second and first base. The second baseman often possesses quick hands and feet, needs the ability to get rid of the ball quickly, and must ...
, Báez was moved to shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball positions, baseball or softball fielding position between second base, second and third base, which is considered to be among the Defensive spectrum, most demanding defensive positions. Historically, the ...
once the team lost a player. Besides these positions, he also played as a center fielder
A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field – the baseball and softball fielding position between left field and right field. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the ...
and as a catcher
Catcher is a position in baseball and softball. When a batter takes their turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the (home) umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. In addition to this primary duty, the catc ...
. He committed to play college baseball
College baseball is baseball that is played by Student athlete, student-athletes at institutions of higher education. In the United States, college baseball is sanctioned mainly by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA); in Japan, ...
at Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University (JU) is a private university in Jacksonville, Florida, United States. Located in the city's Arlington (Jacksonville), Arlington district, the school was founded in 1934 as a two-year college and was known as Jacksonvill ...
.
Professional career
Chicago Cubs
2011–2014: Minor leagues
The Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The Cubs compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Division. Th ...
selected Báez in the first round, with the ninth overall selection, of the 2011 MLB draft. He signed with the Cubs for a $2.6 million signing bonus
A signing bonus or sign-on bonus is a sum of money paid to a new employee (including a professional sports person) by a company as an incentive to join that company. They are often given as a way of making a compensation package more attractive ...
and began his professional career by playing shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball positions, baseball or softball fielding position between second base, second and third base, which is considered to be among the Defensive spectrum, most demanding defensive positions. Historically, the ...
for the Arizona Cubs of the Rookie-level
Minor League Baseball (MiLB) is a professional baseball organization below Major League Baseball (MLB), constituted of teams affiliated with MLB clubs. It was founded on September 5, 1901, in response to the growing dominance of the National L ...
Arizona League
The Arizona Complex League (ACL) is a rookie-level Minor League Baseball league that operates in and around Phoenix, Arizona, since 1988. Prior to 2021, it was known as the Arizona League (AZL). Along with the Florida Complex League (FCL), it fo ...
. He played in three games, recording three hits, including two doubles, in 12 at-bats and two stolen base
In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a runner advances to a base unaided by other actions and the official scorer rules that the advance should be credited to the action of the runner. The umpires determine whether the runner is safe or out ...
s. Promoted to the Boise Hawks
The Boise Hawks are an independent baseball team of the Pioneer League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB) but is an MLB Partner League. Home games are played at Memorial Stadium in unincorporated Ada County, Idaho, near ...
of the Class A-Short Season
Class A Short Season (officially Short-Season A) was a level of play in Minor League Baseball in the United States from 1965 through 2020. In the hierarchy of minor league classifications, it was below Triple-A, Double-A, Class A-Advanced (crea ...
Northwest League
The Northwest League is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in the Northwestern United States and Western Canada. A Class A Short Season league for most of its history, the league was promoted to High-A as part of Major League Baseba ...
, Báez recorded one single in six at bats across two games. On September 29, 2011, he was selected third overall by the Leones de Ponce in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente
The Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (Spanish: Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente, abbreviation LBPRC) is the main professional baseball league in Puerto Rico; it is colloquially referred to as the Puerto Rican Winter le ...
's (LBPRC) rookie draft, but did not play due to the Cubs' limitations.
Before the 2012 season, MLB.com rated Báez as the 62nd-best prospect in baseball. He remained with the Cubs in extended spring training
Spring training, also called spring camp, is the preseason of the Summer Professional Baseball Leagues, such as Major League Baseball (MLB), and it is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spri ...
with other prospects, participating in 26 games and hitting 6 doubles, 3 triples, and 8 home runs, with 28 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 23 strikeouts in 94 plate appearances. He made his regular season debut with the Peoria Chiefs
The Peoria Chiefs are a Minor League Baseball team of the Midwest League and the High-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. The team was established in 1983 as the Peoria Suns. They are located in Peoria, Illinois, and are named for the Pe ...
of the Class A Midwest League
The Midwest League is a Minor League Baseball league established in 1947 and based in the Midwestern United States. A Class A league for most of its history, the league was promoted to High-A as part of Major League Baseball's 2021 reorganizat ...
. He was promoted to the Daytona Cubs
Daytona may refer to:
Locations
* Daytona Beach, Florida
* Daytona Beach Shores, Florida
* South Daytona, Florida
* The Daytona Beach metropolitan area
* Halifax area, also known as Daytona, the region around Daytona Beach
Motor racing
* Day ...
of the Class A-Advanced
High-A, officially Class High-A, formerly known as Class A-Advanced, and sometimes abbreviated "A+" in writing, is the third-highest level of play in Minor League Baseball in the United States and Canada, below Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A and D ...
Florida State League
The Florida State League (FSL) is a Minor League Baseball league based in the state of Florida. Having been classified at various levels throughout its existence, it operated at Class A-Advanced from 1990 until its demotion to Single-A following ...
(FSL). ''Baseball America
''Baseball America'' (BA) is a sports publication company that covers baseball at every level, including Major League Baseball (MLB), with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) college, high school, and inte ...
'' included Báez in two of its "Best Tools" lists, naming him the "Most Exciting Player in the Midwest League" and the "Best Defensive Infielder" in the Chicago Cubs system.
Before the 2013 season, MLB.com rated Báez as the 16th-best prospect in baseball. The Cubs invited him to join their major league team in spring training, competing in the Cactus League
Spring training, also called spring camp, is the preseason of the Summer Professional Baseball Leagues, such as Major League Baseball (MLB), and it is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring ...
. Báez hit four home runs in five at-bats over the course of two games, including in an unofficial exhibition game against the Japanese national baseball team
The , also known as , is the National sports team, national team representing Japan in international baseball competitions. It won the World Baseball Classic in 2006 World Baseball Classic, 2006, 2009 World Baseball Classic, 2009, and 2023 World ...
that was preparing for the 2013 World Baseball Classic
The 2013 World Baseball Classic (WBC) was an international professional baseball competition, held from March 2 to 19, 2013. This was the third iteration of the WBC, following the two previous tournaments, held in 2006 and 2009.
Unlike the tw ...
. He concluded spring training with a .298 batting average and 10 RBIs. Báez returned to the Daytona Cubs to open the 2013 season. On June 10, 2013, Báez hit four home runs in one game, becoming the second player to do so in the history of the FSL. Báez was named one of the five finalists in the fan vote for the final spot on the World Team's roster for the 2013 All-Star Futures Game
The All-Star Futures Game is an annual baseball exhibition game hosted by Major League Baseball (MLB) in conjunction with the mid-summer MLB All-Star Game. A team of American League-affiliated prospects competes against a team of National League- ...
, but he finished second to Carlos Correa.
On July 6, 2013, the Cubs promoted Báez to the Tennessee Smokies
The Knoxville Smokies are a Minor League Baseball team based in Knoxville, Tennessee. The team, which plays in the Southern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The team was based in Kodak, Tennessee, a Knoxville suburb, fr ...
of the Class AA
Double-A (officially Class AA) is the second-highest level of play in Minor League Baseball in the United States since 1946, below only Triple-A. There are currently 30 teams classified at the Double-A level, one for each team in Major League B ...
Southern League after displaying more plate discipline and walking more often during the previous month. Báez was named to both the FSL and Southern League All-Star teams at the conclusion of the season. The Cubs named him their Minor League Player of the Year, closing the season as the top-ranked prospect in the team's system and third overall in the Southern League. On October 28, 2013, Báez won the MiLBY Award for Best Minor League Game of the Year, recognizing his four-home run game.
The Cubs invited Báez to spring training in 2014. An injury suffered by Starlin Castro
Starlin DeJesus Castro (born March 24, 1990) is a Dominican professional baseball infielder who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Miami Marlins and Washington National ...
allowed him regular playing time. To increase his versatility, Báez began practicing at second base
In baseball and softball, second baseman, abbreviated 2B, is a fielding position in the infield, between second and first base. The second baseman often possesses quick hands and feet, needs the ability to get rid of the ball quickly, and must ...
and third base
A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball or softball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run. In the scoring system us ...
. He was reassigned to Minor League camp during the final week of spring training. Bothered by a back injury, he opened his participation with the Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. They are located in Des Moines, Iowa, and are named for their Major League Baseball (MLB) affiliate. T ...
of the Class AAA
Triple-A (officially Class AAA) has been the highest level of play in Minor League Baseball in the United States since 1946. Currently, two leagues operate at the Triple-A level, the International League (IL) and the Pacific Coast League (PCL). ...
International League
The International League (IL) is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in the United States. Along with the Pacific Coast League, it is one of two leagues playing at the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A level, which is one grade below Major ...
(IL) immersed in a slump, with his only hit in 20 at bats being the first home run of the season. During the second week of the season, Báez had his first multi-hit game and hit a second home run before being placed on the seven-day disabled list with an ankle sprain. Báez slumped following his return, and his batting average fell below .150 in May, while his strikeout-to-walk ratio
In baseball statistics, strikeout-to-walk ratio (K/BB) is a measure of a pitcher's ability to control pitches, calculated as strikeouts divided by bases on balls.
A hit by pitch is not counted statistically as a walk, and therefore not counted in ...
worsened. With a more patient approach at the plate, Báez began a hitting streak on May 16, 2014. On May 26, 2014, Báez was named the PCL Player of the Week for the previous week.
On May 22, 2014, the Cangrejeros de Santurce of the LBPRC signed Báez by exploiting a legal loophole that allowed players to be considered free agents unless properly signed within three years of being drafted. However, the Leones de Ponce quickly reclaimed his local player rights, claiming that they had approached him with the intent of formalizing a contract but that the "extreme fatigue" clause of the Winter League Agreement had interfered.
2014: Rookie season
On August 5, the Cubs promoted Báez to the major leagues. In his debut that day, he hit his first career home run; the game-winner in the 12th inning victory against the Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are an American professional baseball team based in Denver. The Rockies compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Division. Th ...
, becoming the first player since Miguel Cabrera
José Miguel Cabrera Torres (born April 18, 1983), nicknamed Miggy, is a Venezuelan former professional baseball first baseman, third baseman, and designated hitter who played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida Marlins a ...
in 2003 to hit an extra-innings home run in his debut. In his third game, Báez hit two home runs, becoming the first player since Joe Cunningham in 1954 to hit three home runs in his first three MLB games. On August 18, 2014, Báez hit his fifth home run in 14 games, joining Jason Kipnis as the only other second baseman to do so in the last 100 years.
On September 2, Castro injured himself in an awkward slide at home plate in which he sprained his left ankle rendering him unable to play for the remainder of the season. Báez finished the season at shortstop. In 52 games with the Cubs in 2014, Báez struck out 95 times while batting .169 with 5 stolen bases, 9 home runs, and 20 RBI.
2015: Continued progression
After struggling in spring training, mostly due to a high number of strikeouts, the Cubs optioned Báez to Iowa on March 30, 2015. He batted .324 in 70 games for Iowa, missing time due to the death of his sister and a broken finger.
At the end of Iowa's season, Báez was called up to the major leagues as a part of September call-ups on September 1. Báez hit his 1st home run of the season on September 4 in a win over the Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are an American professional baseball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West Division. The franchise was established ...
. His three-run home run in the second inning of game 4 of the National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are an American professional baseball team based in St. Louis. The Cardinals compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Centra ...
helped the Cubs to a 6–4 win as they advanced to the National League Championship Series.
2016: World Series champions
On May 8, in the last game of a four-game series at Wrigley Field, Báez hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 13th inning to lead the Cubs to a 4–3 victory and a four-game sweep of the Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are an American professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East Division. They play their home games at Na ...
. On June 28, Báez hit a grand slam in the 15th inning to lead the Cubs in a win over the Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are an American professional baseball team based in Cincinnati. The Reds compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Divisi ...
.
In Game 1 of the 2016 National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco. The Giants compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...
, Báez hit a solo home run
In baseball, a home run (abbreviated HR) is scored when the Baseball (ball), ball is hit in such a way that the batting (baseball), batter is able to circle the bases and reach home plate safe (baseball), safely in one play without any error ( ...
off Giants starter Johnny Cueto
Johnny Cueto Ortiz (; born February 15, 1986) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, San Francisco Giants, Chicago W ...
in the 8th inning to account for the only run in a 1–0 Cubs victory. It was the first 1–0 win in a playoff game for the Cubs since game 4 of the 1906 World Series against the Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The White Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The club plays its ...
. In Game 4, Báez drove in Jason Heyward
Jason Alias Heyward (born August 9, 1989), nicknamed "J-Hey", is an American professional baseball outfielder for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, ...
to cap off a four-run rally in the top of the ninth, sending the Cubs to the 2016 National League Championship Series with a 6–5 victory.
During the first game of the 2016 National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are an American professional baseball team based in Los Angeles. The Dodgers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...
, Báez stole home in the second inning. He was the first Cub to do this in a postseason game since 1907 when Jimmy Slagle
James Franklin Slagle (July 11, 1873 – May 10, 1956), nicknamed both "Rabbit" and "Shorty", was an American professional baseball player who played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball from 1899 to 1908. In his ten major league seasons, he ...
accomplished this against the Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. One of the AL's eight chart ...
in game four of the 1907 World Series. Báez is also only one of 19 players in baseball history to steal home in a playoff game. Báez and Jon Lester
Jonathan Tyler Lester (born January 7, 1984) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals, and St. Louis Cardinals. L ...
were named NLCS co-MVPs, after Báez hit .318 with five RBIs, four doubles, and two stolen bases in the series, including three hits and three RBIs in Game 5. Baez would be part of the Cubs 2016 World Series
The 2016 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2016 season. The 112th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff between the National League (NL) champion Chicago Cubs and the American Leag ...
win against the Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Guardians are an American professional baseball team based in Cleveland. The Guardians compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. Since , the team ...
in 7 games, earning him his first World Series championship. Báez was the recipient of the Fielding Bible Award for his "defensive excellence at multiple positions."
2017: Switch to shortstop
The ability of Báez to apply quick tags of opposing players attempting to steal second base was acknowledged as among the best ever. Cubs manager Joe Maddon
Joseph John Maddon (born February 8, 1954) is an American former professional baseball manager (baseball), manager and coach. He has managed the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB).
After playing ...
said, "A lot of our success is based on defense, and Javy is so important to that." Báez finished the 2017 regular season with a .273 average, 23 home runs, 24 doubles, 75 RBIs, 75 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. He was a consistent member of the Cubs' starting lineup at second base (573 innings) and at shortstop (503 innings) filling in for the injured Addison Russell. Báez was 0-for-23 in the NLCS
The National League Championship Series (NLCS) is a Playoff format#Best-of-seven playoff, best-of-seven playoff and one of two League Championship Series comprising the penultimate round of Major League Baseball's (MLB) Major League Baseball po ...
except for the two solo home runs during Game 4. Báez was the recipient of the Fielding Bible's Multi-Position award for the second straight season.
John Dewan of the FB organization stated, "Báez possesses arm strength that is above average when he plays on the left side of the diamond, and it becomes downright ridiculous when he is playing second base," says Dewan. "He believes he can make every throw on the diamond, and the vast majority of the time he is correct."
2018: NL MVP runner-up, Silver Slugger, and first All-Star selection
On April 10, Báez hit two home runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are an American professional baseball team based in Pittsburgh. The Pirates compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central ...
. The next day against the Pirates, Báez hit two home runs again. On May 19, Amir Garrett of the Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are an American professional baseball team based in Cincinnati. The Reds compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Divisi ...
struck out Báez and yelled in excitement. Báez approached Garrett and a benches-clearing brawl ensued.
On May 27, in an 8–3 victory against the San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco. The Giants compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...
, Báez hit his 13th home run of the year and became the first Cubs player with at least 40 RBIs before Memorial Day
Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May.
It i ...
since Derrek Lee in 2005.
On July 9, while batting .294 with 17 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases, Báez was named the starting second baseman for the 2018 MLB All-Star Game, his first All-Star selection. Báez was only the second player in MLB history to have at least 18 home runs, 18 doubles, 18 stolen bases, and 5 triples by the All-Star break, Willie Mays
Willie Howard Mays Jr. (May 6, 1931 – June 18, 2024), nicknamed "the Say Hey Kid", was an American professional baseball center fielder who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of ...
was the first. Báez also participated in the 2018 Home Run Derby
The Home Run Derby is an annual home run hitting competition in Major League Baseball (MLB) customarily held the day before the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, MLB All-Star Game, which places the contest on a Monday in July. In the context ...
. On August 23, Báez hit a 481-foot home run, the third-longest home run in MLB in 2018. On September 2, Báez hit his 30th home run of the year and scored his 100th RBI and was the first Cubs middle infielder since 1990 to achieve both in the same year.
In 2018, Báez had 606 at-bats with 176 hits and a batting average of .290. He hit 34 home runs, drove in a league-leading 111 RBIs, and stole 21 bases. He swung and missed at 18.2% of the pitches he saw, second behind only Jorge Alfaro
Jorge Mario Alfaro Buelvas (born June 11, 1993) is a Colombian professional baseball catcher in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies, Miami Marlins, San Diego ...
(23.8%) in the NL. He finished second to Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are an American professional baseball team based in Milwaukee. The Brewers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Di ...
in the selection of the Most Valuable Player
In team sports, a most valuable player (MVP) award is an honor typically bestowed upon an individual (or individuals, in the instance of a tie) whose individual performance is the greatest in an entire league, for a particular competition, or ...
in the National League. In 2018, Baez was one of three players to record at least 30 home runs, 100 RBI, 100 runs and 20 steals; the other two players were Yelich and Jose Ramirez.
2019: Second All-Star selection
Having played 25 games at the shortstop position, Báez was leading in most team-hitting statistics. He had 35 hits in 111 plate appearances with 9 home runs and a batting average of .333. He had 22 RBIs, 15 of which were with 2 outs which led all NL hitters. He continued to display remarkable base-running ability and technique.
Báez hit his 100th career home run on June 23, 2019, off of Seth Lugo against the New York Mets
The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of Queens. The Mets compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National ...
. In July, he was named to his second All-Star Game
An all-star game is an exhibition game that showcases the best players (the "stars") of a sports league. The exhibition is between two teams organized solely for the event, usually representing the league's teams based on region or division, bu ...
. Báez also hit lefty in a blowout win vs the Reds with Catcher Kyle Farmer pitching. On May 19, Báez injured his heel while making a barehanded pickup and throw on a grounder. Following his injury, Baez had a slash line of .259/.287/.490 with a 96 wRC+, 27.1% strikeout rate, and 3.9% walk rate until he suffered a fractured thumb on September 1, during a headfirst slide into second base. This effectively ended his 2019 season, though he did have a few pinch-hitting and pinch-running appearances during the last few games of the year in an effort to boost a slumping Cubs team.
Báez placed 5th in the National League in errors with 15. He finished 10th among 15 qualified National League shortstops in fielding percentage. Overall, Báez batted a respectable .281 with 29 home runs and 85 RBIs.
2020: Gold Glove Award winner
In 2020, Báez batted .203/.238/.360 in 222 at-bats, and he had the lowest on-base percentage of all qualified NL batters. Báez attributed his struggles at the plate with the ban of in-game video review that MLB implemented in the aftermath of the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal. Báez said, "To be honest, it sucks because I make my adjustments during the game...I watch my swing, I watch where the ball went, where the contact was. I'm mad. I'm really mad about that we don't have it."
His .581 OPS, .249 wOPA, and 52 wRC+ all ranked dead last and were at least 21% worse than the league average. He also struck out 10 times more frequently than he walked. "
Even with all his offensive struggles he still managed to make his first gold glove award.
2021: Final season in Chicago
On May 27, 2021, with a runner on second and two outs, Báez hit a routine ground ball to the third baseman, who threw to first for the put-out. The throw pulled the first baseman off the bag toward home plate, which allowed the Cubs player on second ( Willson Contreras) to safely reach third, who briefly paused in anticipation for the tag out. Instead, Báez stopped his run and ran back towards home plate, with first baseman Will Craig
William Isaac Craig (born November 16, 1994) is an American former professional baseball first baseman. He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates and in the KBO League for the Kiwoom Heroes.
Amateur career
Cr ...
approaching to tag Báez out. The ensuing chase allowed an opportunity for the runner on third an attempt at home plate. The first baseman tossed the ball to the catcher, who missed a swipe tag on Contreras, who was sliding toward home plate. In the meantime, Báez headed to a now-unoccupied first base, which caused second baseman Adam Frazier to rush towards first, but catcher Michael Pérez threw behind Frazier and thus enabled Báez to safely reach first. Báez was able to advance to second base on the wild throw. Báez was ruled to have reached first on an error
An error (from the Latin , meaning 'to wander'Oxford English Dictionary, s.v. “error (n.), Etymology,” September 2023, .) is an inaccurate or incorrect action, thought, or judgement.
In statistics, "error" refers to the difference between t ...
by the first baseman, and then to have advanced to second on another error by the catcher.
On June 21, 2021, Báez was benched by manager David Ross after he was doubled off first base because he mistakenly thought there were two outs.
Near the trade deadline, Báez was hitting .248/.292/.484 with 22 home runs, 65 runs batted in, 48 runs, 15 walks, a league-high 131 strikeouts, and a 2.7 WAR. He had also committed a league-high 18 errors.
New York Mets
2021: Mid-season trade
On July 30, 2021, Báez was traded to the New York Mets
The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of Queens. The Mets compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National ...
along with Trevor Williams and cash considerations in exchange for Pete Crow-Armstrong. He decided to wear number 23, along with former teammate Kris Bryant
Kristopher Lee Bryant (born January 4, 1992), nicknamed "KB", is an American professional baseball designated hitter, outfielder, and third baseman for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the ...
, to honor Cubs' Hall of Famer, Ryne Sandberg
Ryne Dee Sandberg (born September 18, 1959), nicknamed "Ryno", is an American former professional baseball player, coach (baseball), coach, and manager (baseball), manager. He played sixteen seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a second bas ...
. He made his Mets debut on July 31 against the Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are an American professional baseball team based in Cincinnati. The Reds compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Divisi ...
. He went 1-for-4, the one hit being a 2-run home run. The Mets would go on to win the game 5–4.
On August 24, Javier Baez moved to second base after his childhood friend Francisco Lindor was activated off the injured list and took over his primary position at shortstop. On August 30, Baez received massive criticism for booing and giving a thumbs down towards Mets fans who booed them. Mets owner Steve Cohen stated that Baez's behavior was unacceptable. In the game following his controversial remarks, Baez scored a game-winning run to complete a Mets ninth-inning comeback against the Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins are an American professional baseball team based in Miami. The Marlins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League East, East Division. The ...
. Booing from Mets fans earlier in the game turned to cheers and thumbs up.
In 2021, he had the worst walk/strikeout ratio in the majors, at 0.15. He swung at and missed 21.7% of all pitches, the highest percentage in MLB.
Detroit Tigers
2022: First year in Detroit
On December 1, 2021, Báez signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. One of the AL's eight chart ...
. Báez decided to wear the No. 28 with the Tigers, as his No. 9 and No. 23 were already being worn.
In his Tigers debut on April 8, 2022, Báez hit a ninth-inning walk-off single to defeat the Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The White Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The club plays its ...
, 5–4. On April 16, the Tigers placed Báez on the 10-day injured list with right thumb soreness.
Over his first season in Detroit, Báez hit .238/.278/.393 with 67 RBI, while his 17 home runs were enough to lead a weak-hitting Tigers team. He swung at a higher percentage of pitches outside the strike zone (48.7%) than any other major league batter, and had the highest called strike plus whiff rate in the majors (32.2%).
2023: Continued struggles
On April 5, 2023, Báez was benched by manager A. J. Hinch for "rest purposes" after batting .100/.143/.100 in the first five games. He did enter the game during the seventh inning, where he grounded into a double play. Just nine days later, Báez was again benched, this time in the second inning of the game. After hitting a double where he didn't run hard out of the box, he was doubled off of second base following a routine pop-up where, much like the incident with the Cubs in 2021, he mistakenly thought there were two outs. Hinch pulled Báez into the tunnel with him, telling him he would be benched. Báez later went on to say, "My mind is everywhere right now," and "I'm just trying to focus on my hitting and my timing". A day later, on April 14, Báez went 2-for-3 with a double, two walks, two runs batted in, and a run scored. His performance helped the Tigers defeat the Giants
A giant is a being of human appearance, sometimes of prodigious size and strength, common in folklore.
Giant(s) or The Giant(s) may also refer to:
Mythology and religion
*Giants (Greek mythology)
* Jötunn, a Germanic term often translated as 'g ...
, 7–5 in the 11th inning. The next game, Báez, again, hit a two-run double in the 8th inning, scoring Riley Greene and Nick Maton. He then scored from a single by Spencer Torkelson to tie the game at 6–6. The Tigers went on to win their second straight game in the 11th inning when Miguel Cabrera
José Miguel Cabrera Torres (born April 18, 1983), nicknamed Miggy, is a Venezuelan former professional baseball first baseman, third baseman, and designated hitter who played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida Marlins a ...
hit a walk-off single to win, 7–6. In the two games after being benched, the Tigers went 2–0 and Báez went 4-for-8 on ten at-bats, two doubles, four runs batted in, two walks, two strikeouts, and an OPS of 1.350.
On June 21, Báez collected his 1,000th career hit, an RBI single off Brady Singer of the Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are an American professional baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The team ...
.
In 2023, he had the lowest OBP in the AL, as he batted .222/.267/.325.
2024: Injury-shortened season
Báez's 2024 season was poor as he was significantly impacted by various ailments. In 80 games for Detroit in 2024, he slashed .184/.221/.294 with six home runs, 37 runs batted in, and eight stolen bases. On August 26, the Tigers announced that Báez would miss the remainder of the season for hip surgery. Báez's batting problems were driven in part by a sharp decline in his ability to hit fastballs, a one-time strength that he batted just .207 against in the 2024 season. His performance during the season led Chris Kirschner of ''The Athletic'' to call Báez's contract "the worst ... in baseball and possibly ... the worst deal out of any player in North American sports."
2025: Switch to center field
During the offseason, Báez rehabbed at his home in Puerto Rico and at the Tigers' spring training complex, Joker Marchant Stadium. During the ALDS games of 2024 Tigers, Baez made his best efforts for his rehab, mentioning in an interview, "After the surgery, I was working out like I was coming back for the playoffs, and I still had like four months to go."
He made his spring training debut on February 28, 2025 against the Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a Canadian professional baseball team based in Toronto. The Blue Jays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Since 1989, the team has p ...
. During the spring, Báez saw time at center field and third base.
On April 6, Báez made his first game appearance in center field in the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The White Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The club plays its ...
after Trey Sweeney pinch-hit for center fielder Ryan Kreidler the inning prior. He would go 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI to help the Tigers defeat the White Sox, 4–3. On April 21, Báez made his first career start in center field, going 1-for-3 while being hit by a pitch and scoring a run. Báez's first home run of the season was a third inning grand slam in a Tigers victory on April 30. In a game against the Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Greater Los Angeles, Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, ...
on May 1, he robbed former teammate Jorge Soler
Jorge Carlos Soler Castillo (born February 25, 1992) is a Cuban professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Chicago Cubs, Kansas City ...
of a home run.
On May 13, Báez had his first multi-homerun game as a member of the Tigers against the Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Founded in as one of the Ameri ...
. The first home run was a three-run shot off Garrett Whitlock in the sixth inning to retake the lead for Detroit. The second homerun was a walk-off three-run shot in the eleventh inning off Greg Weissert. It was Báez’s second career walk-off home run and first since 2016.
Baez's changed batting stance allowed his resurgence in the 2025 season. He started to stand closer to the pitcher than before, and this allowed him to hit breaking balls more effectively, increasing his batting average against breaking balls from .231 (2023) and .169 (2024) to .304.
International career
World Baseball Classic
2017 tournament
Baéz played for the Puerto Rican national team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic
The 2017 World Baseball Classic (WBC) was an international professional baseball competition, composed of 16 competing nations, held from March 6 to 22, 2017. It was the fourth iteration of the World Baseball Classic. The first-round hosts wer ...
. On March 10, 2017, Baéz got his first career WBC hit when he hit a single against Deolis Guerra
Deolis Alexander Guerra (born April 17, 1989) is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher for the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pi ...
of Venezuela. He also was awarded an RBI. Against the Mexico national baseball team
The Mexico national baseball team (Spanish language, Spanish: ''Selección de béisbol de México'') is the baseball team that represents Mexico in international tournaments. It is currently the 2nd-ranked baseball team in the world.
Current rost ...
, Baéz went 2-for-5 while hitting his first career home run in the World Baseball Classic. He also got three RBIs and hit a double. Puerto Rico finished pool play with a 3–0 record, winning Pool D. In their second Pool F game, Baéz stole three bases, including two steals of third. They finished 3–0 in Pool F, advancing to the semifinals. They would defeat the Netherlands
, Terminology of the Low Countries, informally Holland, is a country in Northwestern Europe, with Caribbean Netherlands, overseas territories in the Caribbean. It is the largest of the four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Nether ...
, 4–3, in the 11th inning. Baéz struggled against the United States team, going 0-for-3 with a strikeout, while they lost the 2017 World Baseball Classic championship, 8–0. Baéz finished the tournament as the stolen bases leader and being voted as the second baseman of the 2017 All-World Baseball Classic team.
2023 tournament
Baéz again played for the Puerto Rican national team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic
The 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) was an international professional baseball tournament and the fifth iteration of the World Baseball Classic. It began on March 8, 2023, and ran until March 21.
It was originally scheduled to take place in ...
. On March 11, 2023, Báez participated in his first WBC game against the Nicaragua national baseball team, where he went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI. Against the Israel national baseball team
The Israel National Baseball Team () represents Israel in international competitions. It is managed by Ian Kinsler.
At the 2017 WBC, Team Israel came in 6th. In 2022, Israel was ranked 20th in the world. The Israel national baseball team compete ...
, Báez helped his team with a 2-for-3 slate with two RBIs, two runs, and a steal of third in the first inning. Puerto Rico would finish with a perfect game in eight innings to a score of 10–0. Puerto Rico finished Classic Pool Play with a record of 3–1. This qualified them as runner-ups in Pool D, behind the 4–0 Venezuela national baseball team
The Venezuela national baseball team (Spanish: ''Selección de béisbol de Venezuela'' or ''Selección de Venezuela)'' is the national team of Venezuela. It is currently ranked third in the world by the World Baseball Softball Confederation, b ...
. They played the Mexico national baseball team in Quarterfinal 4. In the quarterfinals, Báez and Eddie Rosario hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning. Mexico would make a comeback to win with a score of 5–4, but Báez finished 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and a run. Báez finished the 2023 tournament with a slash line of .368/.368/.667, a home run, three doubles, seven total hits, six RBIs, four runs scored, and a stolen base. He was voted as the second baseman of the 2023 All-World Baseball Classic team. Team Puerto Rico qualified for the 2026 World Baseball Classic after finishing in 6th place.
Playing style
Baéz is known for his strong arm and range in the infield, especially at shortstop. He has an infield velocity that can max at 92.0 MPH, an average exit velocity of 89.4 MPH, and a max exit velocity of 116.7 MPH. Baéz is also known for his aggression while batting, rarely walking while striking out at high rates. In 2023, Baéz had the lowest on-base percentage in the American League, along with a 44% chase rate.
Career highlights
Championships, awards, and honors
Annual statistical achievements
Other achievements
* Second FSL player to hit four home runs in a single game (June 10, 2013)
* Hit a home run in the 11th inning of his major league debut (August 5, 2014)
* First MLB player since Joe Cunningham in 1954 to hit three home runs in their first three games (August 5–7, 2014)
* Second MLB second baseman
In baseball and softball, second baseman, abbreviated 2B, is a fielding position in the Infielder, infield, between Baseball field#Second base, second and Baseball field#First base, first base. The second baseman often possesses quick hands and f ...
to hit five home runs in first 14 MLB games (2014)
* Hit a walk-off home run in the 13th inning vs. the Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are an American professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East Division. They play their home games at Na ...
(May 8, 2016)
* Hit a grand slam in the 15th inning vs. the Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are an American professional baseball team based in Cincinnati. The Reds compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Divisi ...
(June 28, 2016)
* Hit a home run in the 8th inning in Game 1 of the NLDS vs. the San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco. The Giants compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...
(October 7, 2016)
* Hit a single that drove in the winning run to send the Cubs to the 2016 NLCS
The 2016 National League Championship Series was a Playoff format#Best-of-seven playoff, best-of-seven playoff in Major League Baseball’s 2016 Major League Baseball postseason, 2016 postseason in which the overall #1 seed 2016 Chicago Cubs sea ...
(October 11, 2016)
* First Cub since Jimmy Slagle
James Franklin Slagle (July 11, 1873 – May 10, 1956), nicknamed both "Rabbit" and "Shorty", was an American professional baseball player who played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball from 1899 to 1908. In his ten major league seasons, he ...
in 1907 and 19th MLB player to steal home in a postseason game (October 15, 2016)
* Won the Cubs' first World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB). It has been contested since between the champion teams of the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The winning team, determined through a best- ...
since 1908
This is the longest year in either the Julian or Gregorian calendars, having a duration of 31622401.38 seconds of Terrestrial Time (or ephemeris time), measured according to the definition of mean solar time.
Events
January
* January ...
, ending the club's 108-year drought (November 2, 2016)
* First Cub since Derrek Lee in 2005 to have 40 RBIs before Memorial Day
Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May.
It i ...
(2018)
* Hit his 50th career home run (April 11, 2018)
* Second MLB player to have 18 home runs, 18 doubles, 18 stolen bases, and five triples by the All-Star break (2018)
* Became the fifth Cub to hit 30 home runs and have 100 RBIs by their age-25 season (September 2, 2018)
* Finished second to Christian Yelich in NL Most Valuable Player Award voting (2018)
* Hit his 100th career home run (June 23, 2019)
* Hit left-handed for the first time against Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are an American professional baseball team based in Cincinnati. The Reds compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Divisi ...
shortstop, Kyle Farmer (August 8, 2019)
* Got his first hit left-handed against New York Mets
The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of Queens. The Mets compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National ...
infielder, Luis Guillorme
Luis Miguel Guillorme Gonzalez (born September 27, 1994), nicknamed Luismi, is a Venezuelan-American professional baseball infielder for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the New York Mets, At ...
(April 21, 2021)
* Hit a home run in his New York Mets
The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of Queens. The Mets compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National ...
debut (July 31, 2021)
* Scored the winning run in the 9th inning comeback win against the Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins are an American professional baseball team based in Miami. The Marlins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League East, East Division. The ...
(August 30, 2021)
* Hit his 150th career home run when he hit a walk-off home run in his Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. One of the AL's eight chart ...
debut (April 8, 2022)
* Collected his 1,000th career hit (June 21, 2023)
Personal life
Báez's sister, Noely, died on April 8, 2015, aged 21. She had spina bifida
Spina bifida (SB; ; Latin for 'split spine') is a birth defect in which there is incomplete closing of the vertebral column, spine and the meninges, membranes around the spinal cord during embryonic development, early development in pregnancy. T ...
. Báez took a leave of absence from the Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. They are located in Des Moines, Iowa, and are named for their Major League Baseball (MLB) affiliate. T ...
to help cope with the loss. Báez is left-hand dominant and eats and writes with his left hand, and suggests this helps his game. On August 8, 2019, Báez batted left handed in a game for the first time against Kyle Farmer, an infielder pitching during a 12–5 blowout in the 9th inning. Báez chose " El Mago" (Spanish for "The Magician") as his nickname for the Players Weekend in 2017 and 2018.
Báez announced his engagement to longtime girlfriend Irmarie Márquez via Twitter on April 11, 2018. Their son was born on June 28, 2018. The couple was married in San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan ( , ; Spanish for "Saint John the Baptist, John") is the capital city and most populous Municipalities of Puerto Rico, municipality in the Commonwealth (U.S. insular area), Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the ...
, on January 26, 2019. Báez's wife, Irmarie, is the sister of Jannieliz Márquez, who is married to Puerto Rican pitcher José Berríos.
See also
* List of Major League Baseball players from Puerto Rico
References
External links
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Baez, Javier
1992 births
Living people
Arizona League Cubs players
Baseball players from Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Baseball players from Jacksonville, Florida
Boise Hawks players
Cangrejeros de Santurce (baseball) players
Chicago Cubs players
Daytona Cubs players
Detroit Tigers players
Gold Glove Award winners
Iowa Cubs players
Major League Baseball utility players
Major League Baseball players from Puerto Rico
Mesa Solar Sox players
National League All-Stars
National League Championship Series MVPs
National League RBI champions
New York Mets players
Peoria Chiefs players
Silver Slugger Award winners
Tennessee Smokies players
Toledo Mud Hens players
2017 World Baseball Classic players
2023 World Baseball Classic players