Tigers' Javier Baez Makes Announcement on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Dec 21, 2025 1:26 PM ET

Javier Baez had a roller-coaster season with the Detroit Tigers in 2025, one that seemed to mirror the team’s overall fortunes. Baez enjoyed a resurgent first half, earning an All-Star selection as the Tigers entered the break with the best record in the American League and a comfortable double-digit-game lead in the AL Central.

But Detroit collapsed in the second half, with the division rival Cleveland Guardians ultimately clinching the title, and Baez regressed and lost playing time, continuing the inconsistency that has defined much of his tenure in Detroit.

Across 126 games, the 33-year-old veteran posted a .257 batting average, a .282 on-base percentage, a .680 OPS, 12 home runs and 57 RBIs.

He did, however, deliver in October. Drawing on his extensive postseason experience from his 2016 World Series run with the Chicago Cubs, Baez stepped up for a young Tigers squad.

He started eight straight games and produced at the plate with a .313 batting average, a .333 on-base percentage and an .802 OPS while playing clutch defense.

Detroit Tigers infielder Javier Baez (28).© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

After a season filled with highs and lows, Baez has shifted his attention to making an impact off the field. The Puerto Rican runs the El Mago Foundation, a nonprofit he established to support youth sports development and health initiatives in Puerto Rico.

On Sunday, Baez took to Instagram to announce the foundation’s first annual charity golf tournament, scheduled for January 22.

“Javier Baez and El Mago Foundation celebrate their First Charity Golf Tournament. This January 22, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Rio Grande will be the stage for Javier Baez’s first golf tournament alongside El Mago Foundation,” the post read.

“A sports day created to bring together sponsors, allies and people committed to supporting the foundation’s development, where every contribution and every moment directly contributes to making possible the community initiatives and projects driven by El Mago Foundation.”

As Baez continues to make an impact away from the field, his future on it remains just as important for Detroit. He is entering the final two years of his six-year, $140 million contract, and the Tigers will be looking for him to build on the momentum of his strong postseason showing.

Over the course of his 12-year MLB career, Baez has collected notable achievements including three All-Star selections, a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger. If he can stay healthy and deliver consistent production, his veteran presence could help stabilize a young roster and keep the Tigers competitive as they aim to return to the postseason in 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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