Tigers' Javier Baez Sends Message After Unfortunate News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 6:29 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers had many contributors last year as the team reached the MLB playoffs for a second consecutive season. One of the biggest surprises was Javier Baez, whose six‑year, $140 million contract had previously looked like a major burden for Detroit.

Yet in 2025, Baez turned back the clock, at least for the first half of the regular season, earning an American League All‑Star selection and posting a .275 batting average, .310 on‑base percentage, .752 OPS, 10 home runs and 39 RBIs across 79 games.

Although he slowed down later in the year, he still delivered in the postseason, providing timely hitting, steady defense and a veteran presence for a young roster.

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

As the 2026 season approaches, many of MLB’s top players are preparing for the World Baseball Classic. Baez hoped to join them and represent Puerto Rico for the third time in his career.

He previously helped Puerto Rico reach the finals in 2017, but he will not be able to participate this year. During the 2023 WBC, Baez tested positive for marijuana, resulting in a two‑year suspension that extends through this year’s tournament.

It is a disappointing outcome for Baez, who has always taken pride in representing his home country. With spring training underway, he will remain in camp with the Tigers, shifting his full focus to the upcoming season.

On Tuesday, Baez addressed the suspension with a message while speaking with reporters. “I don't want to point fingers at anybody because this is all my fault. I'm the one that failed the test. It's really frustrating that I won't be able to be there. It hurts my family, my reputation, but it's part of it,” Baez said, via Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press.

Javier Báez on World Baseball Classic suspension:

"I don't want to point fingers at anybody because this is all my fault. I'm the one that failed the test. ... It's really frustrating that I won't be able to be there. ... It hurts my family, my reputation, but it's part of it." https://t.co/bDlFlZSxsx
— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) February 17, 2026

For the Tigers, the hope is that Baez can build on the positives from last season and continue trending upward. Detroit’s young core has grown around him, and his leadership still carries weight in the clubhouse.

If he can stay healthy and produce closer to the level he showed early in 2025, Baez could once again be a meaningful contributor for a team aiming to make a deeper postseason push.

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

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