| Javier Báez | |||||||||||||||
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.jpg) Báez with the Cubs in 2017 | |||||||||||||||
| Detroit Tigers – No. 28 | |||||||||||||||
| Shortstop | |||||||||||||||
| Born: (1992-12-01)December 1, 1992 (age 32) Bayamón, Puerto Rico | |||||||||||||||
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |||||||||||||||
| MLB debut | |||||||||||||||
| August 5, 2014, for the Chicago Cubs | |||||||||||||||
| MLB statistics (through April 8, 2025) | |||||||||||||||
| Batting average | .252 | ||||||||||||||
| Hits | 1,107 | ||||||||||||||
| Home runs | 181 | ||||||||||||||
| Runs batted in | 631 | ||||||||||||||
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |||||||||||||||
| Teams | |||||||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||
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Medals
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Ednel Javier "Javy" Báez (born December 1, 1992), nicknamed "El Mago" (Spanish for "the Magician"), is a Puerto Rican professionalbaseballshortstop for theDetroit Tigers ofMajor League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for theChicago Cubs andNew York Mets.
Born inPuerto Rico, Báez attended high school inJacksonville, Florida. The Cubs selected Báez with the ninth overall selection of the2011 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2014 and played for the Cubs for eight years before he was traded to the Mets in 2021. After the 2021 season, he entered free agency where he then signed a six-year contract with the Tigers.
Báez was named theNational League Championship Seriesco-MVP alongside left-handed starterJon Lester as the Cubs clinched their 2016 National League pennant en route to winning the2016 World Series. He is a two-timeAll-Star, as well as aGold Glove Award, andSilver Slugger Award winner. He is also the cover athlete forMLB The Show 20. On the international level, he represents thePuerto Rican national team.
Born and raised inPuerto Rico, Báez moved toFlorida in 2005 along with his mother and siblings, two brothers and a sister.[1] The move was so that his sister, Noely, could get medical treatment for herspina bifida condition.[2] In Puerto Rico he and his two brothers, Gadiel and Rolando, became familiar with the sport through their father, Ángel Luis Báez who, before his death when Javier was ten, heavily influenced their life and was responsible for their interest in baseball.[2] The brothers would later immortalize this interest by getting tattoos ofMajor League Baseball's logo, which symbolized that "baseball has been in [their] lives forever."[2][3] As a middle school student, it took time for Báez to adapt because he was unable to fluently speak or understand English.[1] Báez eventually learned the language through trial and error in a process that lasted for three years, memorizing words before knowing their actual meaning.[1]
Báez attendedArlington Country Day School (ACD) inJacksonville,Florida. His coach at ACD, Ron Dickerson, noted that initially scouts were not impressed by him, noting his talent, but not believing he could become a star.[1] Dickerson emphasized that Báez's work ethic was responsible for positioning him as a real prospect.[1] As a sophomore, he had a .463batting average with 38hits, of which nine weredoubles and 13 werehome runs.[4] Making 82plate appearances in 25 games, he also gathered 60runs batted in (RBIs). By the time his junior season was over, Báez was a highly rated AflacAll-American.[1] In his senior season, he recorded 64 hits in 83at-bats to gather an average of .771, which included 20 doubles and 10 home runs. In total, Báez recorded 52 RBIs in 30 games.[4] During his time at ACD, he never played a position steadily. After working atsecond base, Báez was moved toshortstop once the team lost a player.[5] Besides these positions, he also played as acenter fielder and as acatcher.[6] He committed to playcollege baseball atJacksonville University.[7]
TheChicago Cubs, led byJim Hendry, selected Báez in the first round, with the ninth overall selection, of the2011 Major League Baseball draft.[3][8] He began his professional career by playingshortstop for theArizona Cubs of theRookie-levelArizona League, where he only played in three games, recording three hits, including two doubles, in 12 at-bats and twostolen bases.[9] Promoted to theBoise Hawks of theClass A-Short SeasonNorthwest League, Báez recorded one single in six at bats across two games.[10] On September 29, 2011, he was selected third overall by theLeones de Ponce in theLiga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente's (LBPRC) rookie draft, but did not play due to the Cubs' limitations.[11]
Before the 2012 season,MLB.com rated Báez as the 62nd-best prospect in baseball.[12] He remained with the Cubs in extendedspring training with otherprospects, participating in 26 games and hitting 6 doubles, 3 triples, and 8 home runs, with 28 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 23 strikeouts in 94 plate appearances.[13] He made his regular season debut with thePeoria Chiefs of theClass AMidwest League.[14] He was promoted to theDaytona Cubs of theClass A-AdvancedFlorida State League (FSL).[14]Baseball America included Báez in two of its "Best Tools" lists, naming him the "Most Exciting Player in the Midwest League" and the "Best Defensive Infielder" in the Chicago Cubs system.[15]
Before the 2013 season, MLB.com rated Báez as the 16th-best prospect in baseball.[16] The Cubs invited him to join their major league team in spring training, competing in theCactus League. Báez hit four home runs in five at-bats over the course of two games,[17] including in an unofficial exhibition game against theJapanese national baseball team that was preparing for the2013 World Baseball Classic.[18][19] He concluded spring training with a .298 batting average and 10 RBIs.[20] Báez returned to the Daytona Cubs to open the 2013 season. On June 10, 2013, Báez hit four home runs in one game, becoming the second player to do so in the history of the FSL.[21] Báez was named one of the five finalists in the fan vote for the final spot on the World Team's roster for the 2013All-Star Futures Game, but he finished second toCarlos Correa.[22]
On July 6, 2013, the Cubs promoted Báez to theTennessee Smokies of theClass AASouthern League after displaying more plate discipline and walking more often during the previous month.[23] Báez was named to both the FSL and Southern League All-Star teams at the conclusion of the season.[24][25] The Cubs named him their Minor League Player of the Year, closing the season as the top-ranked prospect in the team's system and third overall in the Southern League.[26][27] On October 28, 2013, Báez won theMiLBY Award for Best Minor League Game of the Year, recognizing his four-home run game.[28]
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The Cubs invited Báez to spring training in 2014. An injury suffered byStarlin Castro allowed him regular playing time. To increase his versatility, Báez began practicing atsecond base andthird base.[29] He was reassigned to Minor League camp during the final week of spring training.[30] Bothered by a back injury, he opened his participation with theIowa Cubs of theClass AAAInternational League (IL) immersed in a slump, with his only hit in 20 at bats being the first home run of the season.[31][32] During the second week of the season, Báez had his first multi-hit game and hit a second home run before being placed on the seven-day disabled list with an ankle sprain. Báez slumped following his return, and his batting average fell below .150 in May, while hisstrikeout-to-walk ratio worsened. With a more patient approach at the plate, Báez began a hitting streak on May 16, 2014. On May 26, 2014, Báez was named the PCL Player of the Week for the previous week.[33]
On May 22, 2014, theCangrejeros de Santurce of the LBPRC signed Báez by exploiting a legal loophole that allowed players to be considered free agents unless properly signed within three years of being drafted.[34] However, the Leones de Ponce quickly reclaimed his local player rights, claiming that they had approached him with the intent of formalizing a contract but that the "extreme fatigue" clause of the Winter League Agreement had interfered.[35]
On August 5, the Cubs promoted Báez to the major leagues.[36] In his debut that day, he hit his first career home run; the game-winner in the 12th inning victory against theColorado Rockies, becoming the first player sinceMiguel Cabrera in 2003 to hit an extra-innings home run in his debut.[37] In his third game, Báez hit two home runs, becoming the first player sinceJoe Cunningham in 1954 to hit three home runs in his first three MLB games.[38] On August 18, 2014, Báez hit his fifth home run in 14 games, joiningJason Kipnis as the only other second baseman to do so in the last 100 years.[39]
On September 2, Castro injured himself in an awkward slide at home plate in which he sprained his left ankle rendering him unable to play for the remainder of the season.[40] Báez finished the season at shortstop. In 52 games with the Cubs in 2014, Báez struck out 95 times while batting .169 with 5 stolen bases, 9 home runs, and 20 RBI.
After struggling in spring training, mostly due to a high number of strikeouts, the Cubs optioned Báez to Iowa on March 30, 2015.[41] He batted .324 in 70 games for Iowa, missing time due to the death of his sister and a broken finger.[42]
At the end of Iowa's season, Báez was called up to the major leagues as a part ofSeptember call-ups on September 1. Báez hit his 1st home run of the season on September 4 in a win over theArizona Diamondbacks.[43] His three-run home run in the second inning of game 4 of the National League Division Series against theSt. Louis Cardinals helped the Cubs to a 6–4 win as they advanced to the National League Championship Series.[44]
On May 8, in the last game of a four-game series at Wrigley Field, Báez hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 13th inning to lead the Cubs to a 4–3 victory and a four-game sweep of theWashington Nationals.[45] On June 28, Báez hit a grand slam in the 15th inning to lead the Cubs in a win over theCincinnati Reds.[46]
In Game 1 of the2016 National League Division Series against theSan Francisco Giants, Báez hit a solohome run off Giants starterJohnny Cueto in the 8th inning to account for the only run in a 1–0 Cubs victory. It was the first 1–0 win in a playoff game for the Cubs since game 4 of the1906 World Series against theChicago White Sox. In Game 4, Báez drove inJason Heyward to cap off a four-run rally in the top of the ninth, sending the Cubs to the2016 National League Championship Series with a 6–5 victory.[47]
During the first game of the2016 National League Championship Series against theLos Angeles Dodgers, Báez stole home in the second inning. He was the first Cub to do this in a postseason game since 1907 whenJimmy Slagle accomplished this against theDetroit Tigers in game four of the1907 World Series. Báez is also only one of 19 players in baseball history to steal home in a playoff game.[48] Báez andJon Lester were namedNLCS co-MVPs, after Báez hit .318 with five RBIs, four doubles, and two stolen bases in the series, including three hits and three RBIs in Game 5.[49] Baez would be part of the Cubs2016 World Series win against theCleveland 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."[50]
The ability of Báez to apply quick tags of opposing players attempting to steal second base was acknowledged as among the best ever.[51] Cubs managerJoe Maddon said, "A lot of our success is based on defense, and Javy is so important to that."[52] Báez finished the2017 regular season with a .273 average, 23 home runs, 24 doubles, 75 RBIs, 75 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. He was a consistent member of the Cubs' starting lineup at second base (573 innings) and at shortstop (503 innings) filling in for the injuredAddison Russell. Báez was 0-for-23 in theNLCS except for the two solo home runs during Game 4. Báez was the recipient of the Fielding Bible's Multi-Position award for the second straight season.John Dewan of the FB organization stated, "Báez possesses arm strength that is above average when he plays on the left side of the diamond, and it becomes downright ridiculous when he is playing second base," says Dewan. "He believes he can make every throw on the diamond, and the vast majority of the time he is correct."[53]
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On April 10, Báez hit two home runs against thePittsburgh Pirates. The next day against the Pirates, Báez hit two home runs again. On May 19,Amir Garrett of theCincinnati Reds struck out Báez and yelled in excitement. Báez approached Garrett and abenches-clearing brawl ensued.[54]
On May 27, in an 8–3 victory against theSan Francisco Giants, Báez hit his 13th home run of the year and became the first Cubs player with at least 40 RBIs beforeMemorial Day sinceDerrek Lee in 2005.[citation needed]
On July 9, while batting .294 with 17 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases,[55] Báez was named the starting second baseman for the2018 MLB All-Star Game, his first All-Star selection. Báez was only the second player in MLB history to have at least 18 home runs, 18 doubles, 18 stolen bases, and 5 triples by the All-Star break,Willie Mays was the first. Báez also participated in the 2018Home Run Derby. On August 23, Báez hit a 481-foot home run, the third-longest home run in MLB in 2018.[56] On September 2, Báez hit his 30th home run of the year and scored his 100th RBI and was the first Cubs middle infielder since 1990 to achieve both in the same year.[57]
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 swung and missed at 18.2% of the pitches he saw, second behind onlyJorge Alfaro (23.8%) in the NL.[58] He finished second toChristian Yelich of theMilwaukee Brewers in the selection of theMost Valuable Player in the National League.[59] In 2018, Baez was one of three players to record at least 30 home runs, 100 RBI, 100 runs and 20 steals; the other two players were Yelich andJose Ramirez.[60]
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Having played 25 games at the shortstop position, Báez was leading in most team-hitting statistics. He had 35 hits in 111 plate appearances with 9 home runs and a batting average of .333. He had 22 RBIs, 15 of which were with 2 outs which led all NL hitters. He continued to display remarkable base-running ability and technique.[61]
Báez hit his 100th career home run on June 23, 2019, off ofSeth Lugo against theNew York Mets. In July, he was named to his secondAll-Star Game. Báez also hit lefty in a blowout win vs the Reds with Catcher Kyle Farmer pitching. On May 19, Báez injured his heel while making a barehanded pickup and throw on a grounder. Following his injury, Baez had a slash line of .259/.287/.490 with a 96 wRC+, 27.1% strikeout rate, and 3.9% walk rate until he suffered a fractured thumb on September 1, during a headfirst slide into second base. This effectively ended his 2019 season, though he did have a few pinch-hitting and pinch-running appearances during the last few games of the year in an effort to boost a slumping Cubs team.[citation needed]
Báez placed 5th in the National League in errors with 15. He finished 10th among 15 qualified National League shortstops in fielding percentage. Overall, Báez batted a respectable .281 with 29 home runs and 85 RBIs.[62]
In 2020, Báez batted .203/.238/.360 in 222 at-bats, and he had the lowest on-base percentage of all qualified NL batters.[63] Báez attributed his struggles at the plate with the ban of in-game video review that MLB implemented in the aftermath of the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal. Báez said, "To be honest, it sucks because I make my adjustments during the game...I watch my swing, I watch where the ball went, where the contact was. I'm mad. I'm really mad about that we don't have it."[64]
His .581 OPS, .249 wOPA, and 52 wRC+ all ranked dead last and were at least 21% worse than the league average. He also struck out 10 times more frequently than he walked. "[65]
On May 27, 2021, with a runner on second and two outs, Báez hit a routine ground ball to the third baseman, who threw to first for the put-out. The throw pulled the first baseman off the bag toward home plate, which allowed the Cubs player on second (Willson Contreras) to safely reach third, who briefly paused in anticipation for the tag out. Instead, Báez stopped his run and ran back towards home plate, with first basemanWill Craig approaching to tag Báez out. The ensuing chase allowed an opportunity for the runner on third an attempt at home plate. The first baseman tossed the ball to the catcher, who missed a swipe tag on Contreras, who was sliding toward home plate. In the meantime, Báez headed to a now-unoccupied first base, which caused second basemanAdam Frazier to rush towards first, but catcherMichael Pérez threw behind Frazier and thus enabled Báez to safely reach first. Báez was able to advance to second base on the wild throw. Báez was ruled to have reached first on anerror by the first baseman, and then to have advanced to second on another error by the catcher.[66]
On June 21, 2021, Báez was benched by managerDavid Ross after he was doubled off first base because he mistakenly thought there were two outs.[67]
Near the trade deadline, Báez was hitting .248/.292/.484 with 22 home runs, 65 runs batted in, 48 runs, 15 walks, a league-high 131 strikeouts, and a 2.7 WAR. He had also committed a league-high 18 errors.[68]
On July 30, 2021, Báez was traded to theNew York Mets along withTrevor Williams and cash considerations in exchange forPete Crow-Armstrong.[69] He decided to wear number 23, along with former teammateKris Bryant, to honor Cubs' Hall of Famer,Ryne Sandberg. He made his Mets debut on July 31 against theCincinnati Reds. He went 1-for-4, the one hit being a 2-run home run. The Mets would go on to win the game 5–4.[70]
On August 24, Javier Baez moved to second base after his childhood friendFrancisco Lindor was activated off the injured list and took over his primary position at shortstop.[71] On August 30, Baez received massive criticism for booing and giving a thumbs down towards Mets fans who booed them. Mets ownerSteve Cohen stated that Baez's behavior was unacceptable. In the game following his controversial remarks, Baez scored a game-winning run to complete a Mets ninth-inning comeback against theMiami Marlins. Booing from Mets fans earlier in the game turned to cheers and thumbs up.[72]
In 2021, he had the worst walk/strikeout ratio in the majors, at 0.15.[73] He swung at and missed 21.7% of all pitches, the highest percentage in MLB.[74]
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On December 1, 2021, Báez signed a six-year, $140 million contract with theDetroit Tigers.[75] Báez decided to wear the No. 28 with the Tigers, as his No. 9 and No. 23 were already being worn. This expands the numbers he has worn with #25 with the Peoria Chiefs, #12 and #16 with the Daytona Cubs, #9 with the Tennessee Smokies, and #9, #12 and #70 with the Iowa Cubs.
In his Tigers debut on April 8, 2022, Báez hit a ninth-inning walk-off single to defeat theChicago White Sox, 5–4.[76] On April 16, the Tigers placed Báez on the 10-day injured list with right thumb soreness.[77]
Over his first season in Detroit, Báez hit .238/.278/.393 with 67 RBI, while his 17 home runs were enough to lead a weak-hitting Tigers team. He swung at a higher percentage of pitches outside the strike zone (48.7%) than any other major league batter, and had the highest called strike plus whiff rate in the majors (32.2%).[78]
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On April 5, 2023, Báez was benched by managerA. J. Hinch for "rest purposes" after batting .100/.143/.100 in the first five games.[79] He did enter the game during the seventh-inning, where he grounded into a double play. Just nine days later, Báez was again benched, this time in the second inning of the game. After hitting a double where he didn't run hard out of the box, he was doubled off of second base following a routine pop-up where, much like the incident with the Cubs in 2021, he mistakenly thought there were two outs.[80] Hinch pulled Báez into the tunnel with him, telling him he would be benched. Báez later went on to say, "My mind is everywhere right now," and "I'm just trying to focus on my hitting and my timing".[81] A day later, on April 14, Báez went 2-for-3 with a double, two walks, two runs batted in, and a run scored. His performance helped the Tigers defeat theGiants, 7–5 in the 11th inning.[82] The next game, Báez, again, hit a two-run double in the 8th-inning, scoringRiley Greene andNick Maton. He then scored from a single bySpencer Torkelson to tie the game at 6–6. The Tigers went on to win their second-straight game in the 11th inning whenMiguel Cabrera hit a walk-off single to win, 7–6.[83] In the two games after being benched, the Tigers went 2–0 and Báez went 4-for-8 on ten at-bats, two doubles, four runs batted in, two walks, two strikeouts, and an OPS of 1.350.
On June 21, Báez collected his 1,000th career hit, an RBI single offBrady Singer of theKansas City Royals.[84]
In 2023, he had the lowest OBP in the AL, as he batted .222/.267/.325.[85]
Báez struggled through July of the 2024 season, having what Chris Kirschner ofThe Athletic called "the worst contract in baseball and possibly . . . the worst deal out of any player in North American sports."[86] From July 25 to 27, Báez homered in 3 consecutive games and drove in 7 runs.[87] In 80 games for Detroit in 2024, he slashed .184/.221/.294 with six home runs, 37 RBI, and eight stolen bases. On August 26, the Tigers announced that Báez would miss the remainder of the season for hip surgery.[88]
During the offseason, Báez rehabbed at his home in Puerto Rico and at the Tigers' spring training complex,Joker Marchant Stadium.[89] He made his spring training debut on February 28 against theToronto Blue Jays, going 0-for-2 with a walk as the Tigers' designated hitter.[90] During the spring, Báez saw time at centerfield and third base, positions he had not played since 2016 and 2019 respectively.[91][92]
Baéz played for thePuerto Rican national team in the2017 World Baseball Classic.[93] On March 10, 2017, Baéz got his first career WBC hit when he hit a single againstDeolis Guerra of Venezuela. He also was awarded an RBI.[94] Against theMexico national baseball team, Baéz went 2-for-5 while hitting his first career home run in the World Baseball Classic. He also got three RBIs and hit a double.[95] Puerto Rico finished pool play with a 3–0 record, winning Pool D. In their second Pool F game, Baéz stole three bases, including two steals of third.[96] They finished 3–0 in Pool F, advancing to the semifinals. They would defeat theNetherlands, 4–3, in the 11th inning.[97] Baéz struggled against theUnited States team, going 0-for-3 with a strikeout, while they lost the2017 World Baseball Classic championship, 8–0.[98] Baéz finished the tournament as the stolen bases leader and being voted as the second baseman of the2017 All-World Baseball Classic team.
Baéz again played for the Puerto Rican national team in the2023 World Baseball Classic. On March 11, 2023, Báez participated in his first WBC game against theNicaragua national baseball team, where he went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.[99] Against theIsrael national baseball team, Báez helped his team with a 2-for-3 slate with two RBIs, two runs, and a steal of third in the first inning. Puerto Rico would finish with a perfect game in eight innings to a score of 10–0.[100] Puerto Rico finished Classic Pool Play with a record of 3–1. This qualified them as runner-ups in Pool D, behind the 4–0Venezuela national baseball team. They played the Mexico national baseball team in Quarterfinal 4. In the quarterfinals, Báez andEddie Rosario hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning. Mexico would make a comeback to win with a score of 5–4, but Báez finished 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and a run.[101] Báez finished the 2023 tournament with a slash line of .368/.368/.667, a home run, three doubles, seven total hits, six RBIs, four runs scored, and a stolen base.[102] He was voted as the second baseman of the2023 All-World Baseball Classic team. Team Puerto Rico qualified for the2026 World Baseball Classic after finishing in 6th place.
Baéz is known for his strong arm and range in the infield, especially at shortstop. He has an infield velocity that can max at 92.0 MPH, an averageexit velocity of 89.4 MPH, and a max exit velocity of 116.7 MPH. Baéz is also known for his aggression while batting, rarely walking while striking out at high rates. In 2023, Baéz had the lowest on-base percentage in the American League, along with a 44% chase rate.
| Title | Times | Dates | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Leaguechampion | 1 | 2016 | [103] |
| World Serieschampion | 1 | 2016 | [104] |
| Recognition | Times | Dates | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| National League All-Star | 2 | 2018,2019 | [105][106] |
| WBC All-Tournament Team | 2 | 2017, 2023 | [107][108] |
| World Future All-Star | 2 | 2017, 2023 | |
| Baseball America Minor League All-Star | 1 | 2013 | |
| Baseball America Triple-A All-Star | 1 | 2015 | |
| FSL Postseason All-Star | 1 | 2013 | |
| FSL Midseason All-Star | 1 | 2013 | |
| SL Postseason All-Star | 1 | 2013 | |
| MiLB.com Organization All-Star | 4 | 2012–2015 |
| Name of award | Times | Dates | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Slugger Award atsecond base | 1 | 2018 | [109] |
| Gold Glove Award atshortstop | 1 | 2020 | [110] |
| Fielding Bible Award at multiple positions | 3 | 2016–2018 | [111][112][113] |
| Fielding Bible Award atshortstop | 1 | 2020 | [114] |
| NLCS Most Valuable Player Award | 1 | 2016 | [115] |
| Home Run Derby participant | 1 | 2018 | [116] |
| MLBPAACubs Heart and Hustle Award | 3 | 2018, 2019, 2021 | |
| National LeaguePlayer of the Week | 1 | July 1, 2018 | [117] |
| Major League Baseball Play of the Week | 1 | May 30, 2021 | |
| Pacific Coast League Player of the Week | 1 | May 26, 2014 | |
| Florida State League Player of the Week | 2 | April 29, 2013; June 17, 2013 | |
| Midwest League Player of the Week | 1 | July 16, 2012 |
| Category | Times | Seasons | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| WBCstolen base leader | 1 | 2017 | |
| NLRuns batted in leader | 1 | 2018 | |
| NLDefensive wins above replacement leader | 1 | 2019 | |
| NLOuts made leader | 1 | 2020 | |
| NLStrikeouts leader | 1 | 2021 | |
| NLErrors committed leader | 1 | 2021 | |
| ALErrors committed leader | 1 | 2022 |
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Báez's sister, Noely, died on April 8, 2015, aged 21. She hadspina bifida. Báez took a leave of absence from theIowa Cubs to help cope with the loss.[121] Báez isleft-hand dominant and eats and writes with his left hand, and suggests this helps his game. On August 8, 2019, Báez batted left handed in a game for the first time againstKyle Farmer, an infielder pitching during a 12–5 blowout in the 9th inning.[122] Báez chose "El Mago" (Spanish for "The Magician") as his nickname for the Players Weekend in 2017 and 2018.[123]
Báez announced his engagement to longtime girlfriend Irmarie Márquez via Twitter on April 11, 2018.[124] Their son was born on June 28, 2018.[125][126] The couple was married inSan Juan, Puerto Rico, on January 26, 2019.[127] Báez's wife, Irmarie, is the sister of Jannieliz Márquez, who is married to Puerto Rican pitcherJosé Berríos.[128]
Javier Báez—awards, championships and honors | |
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