Tigers' hot start is led by this unexpected player

The Detroit Tigers entered Monday at 22-13, the best record in the American League. An unexpected player has been leading the way in Detroit.

Shortstop Javier Baez had been a disappointment for the Tigers. Baez had failed to live up to the six-year, $140M contract he signed during the 2021-22 offseason, posting a mediocre .221/.262/.347 batting line in 1426 plate appearances between 2022-24. His defense also took a step backward as Baez was no longer a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop.

Baez had been an afterthought heading into the 2025 season. He had undergone hip surgery during the 2024 season, losing his starting role to infielder Trey Sweeney. While Baez made the roster due to his contract, he was a backup, expected to slot between shortstop, third base and the outfield instead of an everyday role.

Instead, Baez has far exceeded expectations thus far. He had produced an impressive .309/.350/.479 batting line in his 100 plate appearances entering Monday, with three homers and seven doubles. Baez leads the Tigers with 1.5 bWAR, the best player on the best team in the AL.

Baez's resurrection with the bat is not the only surprise. He has taken over as the Tigers' primary center fielder, starting 10 of the Tigers' last 11 games in center. Baez has been brilliant defensively, having already saved a run in just 99 innings. His conversion to the outfield is all the more impressive considering he had just four professional appearances in center before this year, with all four occurring during the 2015-16 Puerto Rican Winter League season.

Baez has been more than an unexpected feel-good story for the Tigers. He has been their most valuable player over the first few weeks of 2025.