Career Timeline of Javier Báez: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Javier Báez, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Ednel Javier "Javy" Báez, known as "El Mago," is a Puerto Rican professional baseball player currently with the Detroit Tigers. He plays shortstop, third base, and center field. Báez previously played for the Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets. He also represents Puerto Rico on the international baseball stage. Known for his exciting and unconventional style of play, Báez has become a popular figure in MLB.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 29, 2011: Drafted by Leones de Ponce

On September 29, 2011, Javier Báez was selected third overall by the Leones de Ponce in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente's (LBPRC) rookie draft, but he did not play.

2011: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs

In 2011, the Chicago Cubs selected Javier Báez with the ninth overall pick in the MLB draft.

2012: Rated as a Top Prospect

In 2012, MLB.com rated Javier Báez as the 62nd-best prospect in baseball. He made his regular season debut with the Peoria Chiefs of the Class A Midwest League, and was later promoted to the Daytona Cubs.

July 6, 2013: Promotion to Tennessee Smokies

On July 6, 2013, Javier Báez was promoted to the Tennessee Smokies of the Class AA Southern League after improving his plate discipline.

May 16, 2014: Started Hitting Streak

On May 16, 2014, Javier Báez began a hitting streak after adopting a more patient approach at the plate.

May 22, 2014: Signing Dispute in LBPRC

On May 22, 2014, the Cangrejeros de Santurce signed Javier Báez, but the Leones de Ponce reclaimed his rights citing the Winter League Agreement.

2014: Finished Season at Shortstop

In 2014, Javier Báez finished the season playing shortstop for the Cubs after Castro's injury. He played in 52 games with 9 home runs and 20 RBI, but had a high strikeout rate.

2014: MLB Debut

In 2014, Javier Báez made his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago Cubs.

March 30, 2015: Optioned to Iowa Cubs

On March 30, 2015, Javier Báez was optioned to the Iowa Cubs after struggling in spring training.

2016: Solo Home Run in NLDS Game 1

In 2016, Javier Báez hit a solo home run in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants, securing a 1-0 victory for the Cubs.

2016: NLCS Co-MVP and World Series Win

In 2016, Javier Báez was named NLCS co-MVP and was part of the Cubs' World Series win. Báez also received the Fielding Bible Award.

2016: National League Championship Series MVP and World Series Champion

In 2016, Javier Báez was named the National League Championship Series co-MVP along with Jon Lester. The Cubs also won the 2016 World Series. Báez is also the cover athlete for MLB The Show 20.

March 10, 2017: First career WBC hit

On March 10, 2017, Javier Báez got his first career World Baseball Classic (WBC) hit, a single against Deolis Guerra of Venezuela, also earning an RBI while playing for the Puerto Rican national team.

2018: Stellar Performance and MVP Runner-Up

In 2018, Javier Báez had a batting average of .290 with 34 home runs and a league-leading 111 RBIs. He finished second in the National League MVP voting.

2018: All-Star Selection and Home Run Feats

In 2018, Javier Báez was named the starting second baseman for the MLB All-Star Game. He also achieved milestones in home runs, RBIs, and stolen bases and hit a 481-foot home run.

June 23, 2019: 100th Career Home Run

On June 23, 2019, Javier Báez hit his 100th career home run against the New York Mets.

July 30, 2021: Traded to the New York Mets

On July 30, 2021, Javier Báez, along with Trevor Williams and cash considerations, was traded to the New York Mets in exchange for Pete Crow-Armstrong. He chose to wear number 23 to honor Ryne Sandberg. This marks a significant career milestone for Báez.

December 1, 2021: Signed with the Detroit Tigers

On December 1, 2021, Javier Báez signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the Detroit Tigers and chose to wear No. 28 since his preferred numbers were already taken.

2021: Traded to the New York Mets and Signed with the Detroit Tigers

In 2021, Javier Báez was traded to the New York Mets. After the 2021 season ended, he became a free agent and subsequently signed a six-year contract with the Detroit Tigers.

April 8, 2022: Walk-off single in Tigers debut

On April 8, 2022, Javier Báez hit a ninth-inning walk-off single in his Detroit Tigers debut, securing a 5-4 victory against the Chicago White Sox.

2023: Known for aggression while batting

In 2023, Javier Baéz had the lowest on-base percentage in the American League, along with a 44% chase rate. Baéz is also known for his aggression while batting, rarely walking while striking out at high rates.