Javier Báez smashes a three-run home run to left-center field, giving the Tigers a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning

The Tigers need better depth pitching and hitting to win the AL Central in 2025. Which of those is their ultimate fatal flaw?

The Detroit Tigers lost to the New York Yankees in spring training on Monday, 10-2, as Kenta Maeda gave up three home runs.

A two-time All-Star with the Chicago Cubs, Báez has been dreadful since signing a six-year, $140 million contract after the 2021 season. He’s hit just .221 with 32 home runs and a .610 OPS in Detroit.

Javier Báez was eager to play on Friday afternoon. So eager, in fact, that he woke up early and drove from his Tampa home to TD Ballpark, joining new teammate Gleyber Torres, both of them beating the Tigers’ bus from Lakeland.

Javier Báez, who started at designated hitter, finished 0-for-2 with one walk and one strikeout in his first game of spring training. He hadn't played in a game since Aug. 22, 2024. Báez has ...