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 utility player currently with the Detroit Tigers in MLB. He previously played for the Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets. Báez also represents the Puerto Rican national team in international competitions.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 29, 2011: Drafted by Leones de Ponce

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

2011: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs

In 2011, the Cubs selected Báez with the ninth overall selection of the MLB draft.

2012: Prospect Ranking and Debut with Peoria Chiefs

Before the 2012 season, MLB.com rated 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, Báez was promoted to the Tennessee Smokies of the Class AA Southern League after demonstrating improved plate discipline.

May 16, 2014: Started Hitting Streak

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

May 22, 2014: Signed by Cangrejeros de Santurce

On May 22, 2014, the Cangrejeros de Santurce of the LBPRC signed Báez by exploiting a legal loophole. However, the Leones de Ponce quickly reclaimed his local player rights.

2014: Finished Season at Shortstop

In 2014, Báez finished the season at shortstop for the Cubs. Over 52 games, he had 95 strikeouts, a .169 batting average, 5 stolen bases, 9 home runs, and 20 RBI.

2014: MLB Debut

In 2014, Báez made his Major League Baseball debut, marking a significant milestone in his baseball career.

March 30, 2015: Optioned to Iowa Cubs

On March 30, 2015, after struggling in spring training, Báez was optioned to the Iowa Cubs. He batted .324 in 70 games but missed time due to a broken finger and the death of his sister.

2016: Stole Home and Won NLCS Co-MVP

During the first game of the 2016 National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Báez stole home in the second inning. Báez and Jon Lester were named NLCS co-MVPs, after Báez hit .318 with five RBIs, four doubles, and two stolen bases in the series. Baez would be part of the Cubs 2016 World Series win against the Cleveland Indians 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."

2016: Awards and Championship in 2016

In 2016, Báez was named the National League Championship Series co-MVP and won the 2016 World Series with the Cubs. He is a three-time All-Star, as well as a Gold Glove Award, and Silver Slugger Award winner. He is also the cover athlete for MLB The Show 20.

2016: Home Run in NLDS Game 1

In 2016, during Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants, Báez hit a solo home run off Johnny Cueto, securing a 1–0 victory for the Cubs.

March 10, 2017: First Career WBC Hit

On March 10, 2017, Javier Báez recorded his first career World Baseball Classic hit, a single against Deolis Guerra of Venezuela, also earning an RBI.

2017: Consistent Player and Fielding Bible Award

In 2017, Báez finished the regular season with a .273 average, 23 home runs and demonstrated defensive excellence. Báez was the recipient of the Fielding Bible's Multi-Position award for the second straight season.

2018: 2018 Season Performance

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 finished second to Christian Yelich for the NL MVP.

2018: All-Star Selection

In 2018, Báez was named the starting second baseman for the 2018 MLB All-Star Game, marking his first All-Star selection. He also participated in the 2018 Home Run Derby.

June 23, 2019: 100th Career Home Run

On June 23, 2019, Báez hit his 100th career home run off of Seth Lugo against the New York Mets.

August 8, 2019: First Time Batting Left-Handed

On August 8, 2019, Javier Báez batted left-handed for the first time in a game against Kyle Farmer, an infielder pitching in a blowout.

2020: Struggles at the Plate

In 2020, Báez batted .203/.238/.360 in 222 at-bats, and 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.

June 21, 2021: Javier Báez Benched for Baserunning Error

On June 21, 2021, Javier Báez was benched by his manager, David Ross, for mistakenly thinking there were two outs and getting doubled off first base.

July 30, 2021: Traded to the New York Mets

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

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, choosing to wear No. 28.

2021: Traded to the Mets and Signed with the Tigers

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

April 8, 2022: Walk-Off Single and Injury

On April 8, 2022, Javier Báez hit a walk-off single in his Detroit Tigers debut to defeat the Chicago White Sox. However, he was later placed on the injured list on April 16 due to thumb soreness.

March 11, 2023: Participated in first WBC game

On March 11, 2023, Javier Báez played his first WBC game against Nicaragua, going 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.

April 5, 2023: Benched for Poor Performance

On April 5, 2023, Javier Báez was initially benched by manager A.J. Hinch for "rest purposes" after a poor start to the season, but entered the game later grounding into a double play. He was benched again after not running hard and thinking there were two outs, and the manager pulled him to the side after that.

February 28, 2025: Spring Training Debut

On February 28, 2025, Javier Báez made his spring training debut against the Toronto Blue Jays, and saw time at center field and third base during the spring.