The Twins are the only AL Central team headed to the playoffs this year, and they’re set to do so with a handful of key players on the injured list. Fortunately, as noted by Bobby Nightengale of the Star Tribune, shortstop Carlos Correa, third baseman Royce Lewis, and outfielder Byron Buxton all participated in a simulated game this afternoon as they work their way back for the upcoming playoff run.
MLB.com’s Do-Hyoung Park adds more specific details on the timelines of each player: Correa is expected to return in time for the playoffs, and could possibly be activated before the end of the regular season. Lewis is currently able to hit but isn’t running yet, which figures to be a significant hurdle even if the 24-year-old youngster returns exclusively as a DH in the postseason. Buxton, meanwhile, is the most up in the air of the three, though it’s worth noting that the defensive phenom hasn’t been ruled out for a return to the outfield with the Twins this postseason.
Overall this year, Buxton has slashed just .207/.294/.438 in 85 games with the Twins while being exclusively relegated to DH. That’s significantly hampered his value, as Buxton is one of the best defenders in the sport when he’s healthy enough to take the field. Meanwhile, Correa’s bat has taken a major step back this year as well with a slash line of just .230/.312/.399 in 580 trips to the plate this year, though as the club’s everyday shortstop his return should nonetheless help stabilize the club’s infield situation. Overall, Lewis appears likely to impact the Twins the most of the trio this postseason in terms of offense, as he’s posted incredible numbers when healthy enough to take the field. In 239 trips to the plate this year, Lewis has slashed an incredible .309/.372/.548 while playing third base for the Twins.
More from the AL Central…
- Despite Tigers shortstop Javier Baez being in the midst of what’s become the worst full season of his career, the 30-year-old veteran apparently hasn’t ruled out the possibility of opting out of the final four years and $98MM left on his contract with Detroit after the season comes to a close. In conversation with reporters, including Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, Baez said “I don’t know what’s going to happen, to be honest with you,” noting that after the season the sides would “sit down… and see what’s going to happen in the offseason.” Given that Baez has been a bottom-four qualified shortstop this year in terms of fWAR ahead of only Enrique Hernandez, Tim Anderson, and Amed Rosario, it would be something of a shock to see the veteran decide to test the open market. That said, he would join a dismal free agent shortstop class this offseason and still sports an elite glove at shortstop, as evidenced by his +8 Outs Above Average, which ranks in the 96th percentile per Baseball Savant.
- Guardians infielder Gabriel Arias is done for the season. As noted by MLB.com, Arias was hit by a pitch over the weekend but returned to the lineup yesterday, only to feel pain after swinging the bat. Upon receiving an MRI, Arias was revealed to have sustained a non-displaced right wrist fracture. It’s a disappointing end to the season for Arias, who required surgery on that same wrist last offseason. The 23-year-old youngster has struggled at the plate in limited playing time over the past two seasons, with a combined .207/.282/.348 slash line in 402 trips to the plate since making is debut in 2022. Looking ahead to 2024, Arias figures to compete with fellow youngster Brayan Rocchio for the shortstop job in Cleveland next year, barring an external addition.
They really try and point towards a possibility of baez opting out LOL
So they are saying that there’s hope. Baez may not want to sit, and I gather that Hinch playing McKinstry and Short at his position recently has not really been due to injury. I think they have been looking at alternatives, in case his performance does not improve going into next year. Unlike MIggy, he has no history with the team, does not sell tickets, and is not a guarenteed HOF player. He will have to perform to remain on the field next year, or learn to ride the pines. Its a question of pocket book vs Ego. Baez has a big Ego. It may win out.
Playing time to determine who gets nontendered.
I think it’s best for everyone if Baez opts out. He might have take a pay cut to find a new contract coming off this terrible season but something clearly isn’t working for him in Detroit and no one will trade for him at that price. Maybe he makes less money with another club but gets an opportunity to write off this season as an anomaly. Certainly, Tiger fans would rather take their chances with the alternative than endure 4 more seasons of what they saw from him in 2023.
Sure it’d be best for everyone, but Baez is not leaving that kind of money on the table. He’s had back to back seasons like this so it’s not just an anomaly.
Say what you want but Javy is the very best 2.4 million a year shortstop in baseball! Problem is the decimal point is in the wrong spot and he’s getting 24 million a year. If they could only fix that typo in his contract. Realistically though they should offer him 10-20 million to opt out, can’t hurt to ask, and if he’s got any pride he might do it. He’s just not capable of being the “guy”, but put him on Dodgers and he’ll probably become Javy of old
Bobby Witt, Jr. is making $745k this year. I think all 30 teams take him over Baez. LOL
And I’m sure most teams would take Witt even if their salaries were the other way around lol
Detroit itself really has nothing to do with it.
He’s always been a hacker who fooled everyone into thinking he’s some defensive wizard because of no look tags and making routine plays look harder for no apparent reason.
Whether you watch him in the field or just look at the numbers, he is a defensive wizard. Quickest tag in the game! The problem is defense can win you the SS position, but it won’t get you paid. It’s the bat that earns the big bucks. Nick Ahmed got released in AZ. Mateo was moved to the bench. DeJong traveled to 3 cities, because he can’t hit.. All could be compared to Javy this year, and none were being paid like him. The Tigers could acquire any one of them this offseason, and not be worse off. That’s the problem.
Baez is overpaid – and won’t opt out, of course – by quite a lot, but I doubt that the Tigers would pay much to get him off the payroll. The market for SSs is very bad, Baez’ good defense brings some value and his offense will likely improve. I will be surprised if he ever has another 2.5 WAR season again, but he will not be a major problem for the Tigers next year – a team that might actually spend less next season than they did this year.
Gruß,
BSHH
Metrics don’t generally care about how things look. Even in 2023, at age 30.
RF/9 = 3.90 vs. 3.68 (avg)
DRS = 2
UZR/150 = (7)
OOA = 10
RAA = 8
Ultimate Zone Rating agrees with you that Baez is not great, in fact, saying he’s a bad fielder. Ultimate Zone Rating assigns players different “zones” on the baseball diamond as to where they’re expected to cover. In theory, when the shift is employed, the results of fielding are supposed to be ignored for UZR, but I think that’s manually done. The issue with UZR is if a major shift is employed and a 3B makes a play normally expected to be fielded by a SS, the SS gets dinged and the 3B gets a bonus so the manual adjustment for shifts must be done precisely.
The rest of the metrics, in varying degrees, say more outs get recorded with Baez on the field than the average SS.
How in the hell is opting out of 4/$98 in Baez’s best interest?
No way he comes close to that on the open market. He would be lucky to get anything more than 1-year or 2-year offers.
Both sides are playing chicken, he will be at SS next year. He’s not leaving the money and the tigers have no choice.
Yeah, it would be nuts to see Javy opt-out of his deal given how bad he’s been, but if he feels Detroit isn’t a good fit, he might just put his money where his mouth is.
And on a minors or league minimum 1-year deal, he would be attractive for his glove alone. Heck, he probably sees what the Dodgers did for Heyward and is like, “Sunshine, winning team, LA, a resurrected bat… give me some of that!” [And honesty, LA would be a good fit: cost them nothing, but if they turn him around, they got another All-Star]
If Javy opts out of his deal in favor of a minor league contract with a new team, I will eat a turd.
Screenshotting this in the off chance it happens
Will Baez opt out ? You could make that argument as Miggy will be gone, and so probably E rod. The team has changed over to young guys that could be a factor as well. He doesn’t look very happy, but that could be his look as well. Who knows ? Maybe he don’t either. 10/60 the Tigers could live with that production with his fielding so it’s his happiness that will decide for him.
For Tigers fans, here’s hoping Baez thinks he’ll be happier playing in AAA for another organization than the Tigers.
One could only wish Baez would opt out, but he’s not going to get that kind of money anywhere else. I hope he does what’s best for the Tigers and not for him.
No way he opts out.
If he did he would be a fool because no team is signing him unless it is a prove it deal, so he is staying in Detroit unless they cut him.
That’s good Baez. Keep playing aloof. He’s not going anywhere.
I get a chuckle out of the idea that Baez would opt out of a multi-million dollar contract after performing subpar the last 2 seasons, a fan can dream.
When was the last time you heard of a player opting out of a contract AFTER a bad year? The opt out is just another example of all the good Boris has brought to the game.
AJ Pollack just opted out of Chicago last year. Granted, he was even worse this year, but the environment of the White Sox was so bad for him, he left knowing he would be lucky to match what he would have been guaranteed. if he stayed. Still, it’s rare.
Baez is an extremely gifted and talented player physically but lacks those gifts and talents between the ears.
I remember watching Baez with the Cubs, he was the king of going the other way and beating up the doubles alley when he wanted to be but he was a guy who wanted to hit 30 home runs with a .240 average than a guy hitting 50 doubles and .300.
Baez was always the most frustrating guy to watch, you’d watch him spit on close pitches one second only to watch his strike out on a pitch high and a foot outside later in the at bat. He knew the strike zone, he just didn’t care. Part of the reason was because Maddon buried his butt early in his career in the 8 hole
Turning this into a shot at Scott Boras (assuming that’s who “Boris” is supposed to be) is an impressively sad trick.
I would put the odds of Baez opting-out around the same as Ohtani signing in Kansas City.. no offense to KC, of course, it’s a lovely place.
If everyone is on the same page, maybe Baez could opt out, immediately get a one year 40-50 million dollar contract from the Tigers and an agreement he’d be traded with Detroit eating 35 million of the deal. That would require a lot of trust and near perfect engineering, but its possible. Right?
Why not just trade him with money (35 mil in your scenario) at that point. No trust needed from either side.
Detroit is hoping Baez will opt out!!!! That would be the best Christmas present they could ever wish for. Baez has been a headcase for a long-time.
Baez is a good teammate and works hard, by all accounts. He is just in a huge rut, swinging at everything and encouraging pitchers to get away with throwing him trash.
He could turn everything around if he signs with the Dodgers and works with Robert Van Scoyoc, who is widely recognized to be the best hitting coach alive.
How did you get inside Baez’s head?
Given that they owe him $98 million guaranteed I’ll bet that the Tigers would pay him $80 million cash right now to opt out. I wonder if they could do that? He might be able to get $20m or $25m on a deal with someone else and beat the total and play somewhere worth playing.
Players union would not allow him to take less on a signed contract.
Ha, a rut that has lasted his entire career in that case. He has always swung at everything from day one. He’s just making a little less contact now.
You are correct, sir
The only reprieve from Arias at the plate is an injury? Some seasons are just not fair. Of course the Ians will give him every single opportunity in the universe next season. I hope I’m wrong about him, but he is the prime example of their inability to hit LH pitching.
Hopefully they can get Arias turned around at the plate. He doesn’t make enough contact but when he does, he sure does seem to git the ball hard. His defensive skills are pretty impressive.
The Guardians had luck straightening out Josh Naylor this season against lefties.. maybe they can do the same with Arias.
Vs Left handed pitching, Arias is 9 for 108 for an OpS of .316.
I think the only thing to figure out is he should never bat against LHP again. Compare that to a slash line of .275/.332/.459 against RHP.
Baez thinking of opting out with no chance of signing for even half of what he’s still owed on current contract? Is it April 1st already?!
His personal pride might encourage him to opt out….but….he’s married, so you guys know.how that works…..
He has always so a lot. It’s his style and it is being cramped by micromanaging…..
Harris, from the Baez perspective, is a likable guy?
I know Harris is an ageist. So there maybe other things under the hood……
The Tx Rangers were the smart ones that year…..
The Rangers paid for a bat. They play him at SS. He is not a great SS. I don’t know that I would even call him a good SS. The length of that contract will become a problem if he insists on staying at SS thru its term. Right now, its working out. He is having a great season at the plate. Fewer teams have SS’s that aren’t exceptional defensively. These young kids can play D, and hit.
The off-season conversation he has with the FO needs to start with Harris saying, “You suck!!! Your turn to talk, Javy.”
Unless Baez doesn’t like money, he’s not going to opt out. The Tigers couldn’t get that lucky.
I suppose that the “two sides getting together to talk about it offseason” could open general talks about modifying some aspects of the deal.. But what could that possibly include. The Tigers pay Baez to opt out? or short the remaining term where the tigers get a time opt out.
I just dont see it. this contract is so horrible to Tigers that there’s no way they could get out unless its offering big-opt0out payment incentives to get him to opt out. Or change provisions where both sides an option, but that would require to Tigers to may milllion to get Baez to consider it.
Maybe a Bonilla-like deferred restructuring to make it more palatable for a team to acquire him, add some incentives for a new team to pay if he gets back to All Star level status.
Javier Baez is playing his best baseball in a long time showing me he can turn it on and off leading many to think he’s showcasing his talents in the case he opts out.. Who will sign him?
However, I would be pleasantly surprised if he opts out. He will not be a starter and he will not be a top of the order hitter. The best the Tigers could do would be to trade him for Alek Manoah and lotsa cash.
Disclaimer: I know this would never happen
Since I know some Cubs fans are gonna say they want Baez back (barf), the only way the Cubs should sign him if he opts out (no way he would), is if they gave him a MLB minimum salary contract, and incentives for performance.
So if he hits
15 HRs, he gets $10m
20 HRs, $15m
25 HR, $20m
30 HR, $25m
35 HR, $30m
Seems fair, right?
Oh wait, players still want to be paid even if they don’t do what they are getting paid for. Imagine if all jobs were like that!
It’s a legally binding contract, you dullard.
Hey, remember the very first thing I said in my post: “I know this would never happen.”
Nice job, dullard.
Ryan, I was talking about your last paragraph
It’s sad, and doesn’t seem right, but.bonuses can not.be linked to stats.
Mvp votes, AS appearances….but not mlb stats…
You can link bonus to AB’s. If he sucks, he sits, and gets paid less.
I wish all players were paid a minimum and then paid based off performance.. only problem is that players would focus way too heavily on their own stats – but many do already anyway.
And it would keep players on the field more. You wouldn’t have guys like Rendon abusing the system.
Players and teams are prohibited from putting specific performance incentives like this in contracts. Playing time incentives such as PA, IP, starts, are allowed.
It will be nice to see those three Twins back in the lineup come Tuesday
That’s 2 #1 overall picks and a #2 overall pick getting ready for the Twins. Is this the year they actually win in the postseason?! I’ll say yes.
Unfortunately, none of them pitch out of the bullpen.
Right, but the following guys will be, with the FIPs noted
Stewart 2.32
Duran 3.16
Jax 3.24
Pagan 3.30
Varland 3.35
Thielbar 3.69
Not that it matters. The Twins find ways to lose in the playoffs.
Reality check… Baez would loose millions if he opt’d out. So the Tigers are stuck with his contract unless they eat a majority of it in a trade for @ fringe prospect.
The only fringe the Tigers are gonna get is the shag carpet I just ripped out of my 1980s bathroom.
“Buxton, meanwhile, is the most up in the air of the three, though it’s worth noting that the defensive phenom hasn’t been ruled out for a return to the outfield with the Twins this postseason.”
Wrong. “Meanwhile” has to start the sentence. It cannot come after the subject.