CHICAGO — Shortstop Javier Baez will not play another game for the Detroit Tigers in the 2024 season.
Báez, 31, needs surgery on his right hip.
The season-ending arthroscopic procedure is expected to take place next week, but the Tigers have not revealed the date or surgeon as they are still working out the details.
“We have to get him treated,” Tigers manager AJ Hinch said Monday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field after announcing the surgery. “It’s going to be a long process, but hopefully it’s successful.”
Báez hit .184 with six homers, 12 walks and 69 strikeouts in 80 games in 2024, completing the third season of a six-year, $140 million contract with the Tigers. As of Monday, Báez ranked as the second-worst hitter in baseball among 285 players who have played at least 250 games, with an OPS of .516.
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He earned $25 million in 2024.
He still has $73 million remaining on his contract for the 2025-27 seasons.
“Getting him healthy is the number one priority, for his own health,” Hinch said, “and obviously to get the best out of him we need him to be healthy. There’s no doubt it’s been a very difficult time for him in his career and a very difficult time as a Tiger, but that doesn’t mean it can’t change. I hope for him – and for us – that this brings some clarity, that he gets healthy and he can perform the way he can and will perform again.”
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The Tigers placed Báez, an 11-year MLB veteran, on the 10-day injured list Friday with inflammation in his lumbar spine and hip, immediately after returning to the heat at Wrigley Field in a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs.
Three days later, the Tigers placed Báez on the 60-day injured list ahead of Monday’s game against the White Sox following the season-ending surgery, opening a spot for right-hander Ty Madden — making his MLB debut — to join the 40-man roster.
Báez, who played for the Cubs from 2014-21, struggled in his three seasons with the Tigers, batting .221 and OPS .610 in 360 games. His OPS dropped in each of the three seasons, from .671 in 2022 to .593 in 2023 and .516 in 2024.
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He already spent a month on the 2024 injured list, from June 9 to July 7, due to inflammation of the lumbar spine. He has suffered from lower back pain for several years. The new hip injury, requiring surgery, is related to the recurring back injury.
The Tigers hope Báez will improve his performance, especially on offense, after his surgery.
“I think it’s a big step forward for him to get back to being able to turn like he says he can’t, and shoot like he can’t, and get his agility and mobility back,” Hinch said.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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