The Detroit Tigers made headlines last season when they signed shortstop Javier Baez to a six-year, $140 million contract, a move that was expected to bring a much-needed boost to the team's infield. However, according to former Tigers General Manager Al Avila, there were red flags raised about Baez's performance before the deal was even made.
Avila, who was relieved of his duties as GM in August, recently spoke out about the team's decision to sign Baez, citing concerns about the shortstop's inconsistent play and potential for regression. Despite these concerns, the Tigers ultimately decided to move forward with the signing, a decision that has been widely questioned by fans and analysts alike.
So, what exactly did the Tigers see in Baez that led them to believe he was worth such a significant investment? And what were the red flags that Avila and his staff identified before making the deal? To answer these questions, it's necessary to take a closer look at Baez's career and the factors that led to his signing with the Tigers.
Baez, a two-time All-Star and former National League Championship Series MVP, has long been regarded as one of the most talented shortstops in the game. However, his career has also been marked by inconsistency and streakiness, with periods of brilliance often followed by prolonged slumps. Despite this, Baez's overall statistics and accolades made him an attractive target for the Tigers, who were looking to upgrade their infield and make a push for the playoffs.
According to Avila, the Tigers' front office was aware of Baez's inconsistencies before signing him, but ultimately believed that his talent and upside outweighed the risks. The team's scouts and analysts had identified areas where Baez could improve, and the organization was confident that its coaching staff and training programs could help him reach his full potential.
However, as Avila now admits, there were indeed signs of regression before the deal was made. Baez's statistics had begun to decline in certain areas, and his defensive metrics were not as strong as they had been in previous seasons. Additionally, there were concerns about Baez's ability to adapt to the American League and the tougher pitching he would face in the junior circuit.
Despite these concerns, the Tigers were willing to take a chance on Baez, hoping that he could recapture the form that had made him a star in the National League. The team's ownership group and front office were committed to making a splash in free agency, and the signing of Baez was seen as a major coup for the organization.
Now, with the benefit of hindsight, it's clear that the Tigers may have made a mistake in signing Baez to such a lucrative deal. The shortstop has struggled mightily in his first season with the team, posting some of the worst statistics of his career. The Tigers, meanwhile, have failed to live up to expectations, and the team's decision to sign Baez has been widely criticized as a costly mistake.
As for Avila, his comments about the Baez deal have sparked a lively debate about the role of analytics and scouting in baseball. While some have praised Avila for his honesty and willingness to speak out about the team's decision-making process, others have criticized him for trying to shift the blame and excuse his own role in the saga.
Ultimately, the saga of Javier Baez and the Detroit Tigers serves as a reminder of the risks and uncertainties of free agency in baseball. Even with the best scouts, analysts, and coaching staff, there are no guarantees of success, and sometimes even the most talented players can fail to live up to expectations. As the Tigers look to the future and try to rebuild their roster, they would do well to remember the lessons of the Baez deal and approach their decision-making with a more nuanced and cautious approach.