Javier Báez facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Javier Báez
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
debut
August 5, 2014, for the Chicago Cubs
MLB statistics (through 2024 season)
Batting average	.251
Hits	1,099
Home runs	181
Runs batted in	628
Teams
Chicago Cubs (2014–2021) New York Mets (2021) Detroit Tigers (2022–present)
Career highlights and awards
MLB 2× All-Star (2018, 2019) World Series champion (2016) NLCS MVP (2016) Gold Glove Award (2020) Silver Slugger Award (2018) NL RBI leader (2018) International 2x All-World Baseball Classic Team (2017, 2023) WBC stolen base leader (2017)
Medals Men's baseball Representing  Puerto Rico World Baseball Classic Silver 2017 Los Angeles Team

Ednel Javier "Javy" Báez (born December 1, 1992) is a professional baseball player from Puerto Rico. He is a shortstop for the Detroit Tigers in Major League Baseball (MLB). People often call him "El Mago", which means "the Magician" in Spanish. Before joining the Tigers, he played for the Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets.

Javier Báez was born in Puerto Rico and later moved to Jacksonville, Florida, for high school. The Cubs picked him ninth overall in the 2011 MLB draft. He started playing in MLB in 2014 and stayed with the Cubs for eight years. In 2021, he was traded to the Mets. After that season, he signed a six-year contract with the Detroit Tigers.

Báez helped the Cubs win the 2016 World Series. He was even named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) that year, sharing the award with Jon Lester. He has been chosen for the All-Star Game twice. He has also won a Gold Glove Award for his great defense and a Silver Slugger Award for his hitting. Báez is also featured on the cover of the video game MLB The Show 20. He proudly plays for the Puerto Rican national team in international competitions.

Early life and baseball beginnings

Javier Báez was born and grew up in Puerto Rico. In 2005, he moved to Florida with his mother and siblings. They moved so his sister, Noely, could get medical care for her health condition. In Puerto Rico, Javier and his two brothers, Gadiel and Rolando, learned to love baseball from their father, Ángel Luis Báez. Their father passed away when Javier was ten, but he had a big impact on their love for the sport. The brothers even got tattoos of the MLB logo to show that baseball has always been a part of their lives.

When Báez was in middle school, it was hard for him to adjust because he didn't speak English well. He learned English over three years by trying to use words and slowly understanding their meanings.

High school baseball career

Báez went to Arlington Country Day School (ACD) in Jacksonville, Florida. His coach, Ron Dickerson, said that scouts didn't see him as a future star at first. But Báez's hard work helped him become a top player. In his second year of high school, he had a .463 batting average with 13 home runs. He also had 60 runs batted in (RBIs).

By his junior year, Báez was a highly recognized player. In his final year, he had an amazing .771 batting average with 10 home runs and 52 RBIs. During his time at ACD, he played many different positions. He played second base, shortstop, center fielder, and even catcher. He had planned to play college baseball at Jacksonville University.

Professional baseball journey

Chicago Cubs years (2011–2021)

Starting in the minor leagues

The Chicago Cubs picked Báez as the ninth overall player in the 2011 Major League Baseball draft. He started his professional career playing shortstop for the Arizona League Cubs. He then moved up to the Boise Hawks. In 2011, he was also picked by the Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico's professional league, but he didn't play for them yet.

Báez batting in the Florida State League All-Star Game in 2013

Before the 2012 season, MLB.com said Báez was the 62nd best young player in baseball. He played for the Peoria Chiefs and later the Daytona Cubs. Baseball America called him the "Most Exciting Player in the Midwest League."

In 2013, Báez was invited to spring training with the Cubs' main team. He hit four home runs in two games, which was very impressive. He continued to play for the Daytona Cubs. On June 10, 2013, Báez hit four home runs in one game, which was a rare achievement in that league. Later that year, he was promoted to the Tennessee Smokies. The Cubs named him their Minor League Player of the Year.

Báez with the Iowa Cubs in 2014

In 2014, Báez was again invited to spring training. He started practicing at second base and third base to become more flexible. He began the season with the Iowa Cubs. After a slow start, he began to hit well in May.

MLB debut and rookie season (2014)

On August 5, 2014, the Cubs called Báez up to the major leagues. In his very first game, he hit a home run that won the game in the 12th inning! This made him the first player since Miguel Cabrera in 2003 to hit an extra-innings home run in his debut. In his third game, Báez hit two more home runs. This meant he hit three home runs in his first three MLB games, a feat not seen since 1954. He finished his rookie season playing shortstop. In 52 games, he hit 9 home runs and had 20 RBIs.

Return to the minors and playoffs (2015)

After struggling in spring training, Báez started the 2015 season back in Iowa. He played well there, hitting .324. He was called back up to the Cubs in September. In the playoffs, his three-run home run helped the Cubs win a game against the St. Louis Cardinals and move on to the next round.

World Series champions (2016)

Báez celebrating after winning the 2016 World Series

In 2016, Báez hit some big home runs for the Cubs. On May 8, he hit a solo home run in the 13th inning to win a game. On June 28, he hit a grand slam in the 15th inning to win another game.

In the playoffs, Báez continued to shine. In Game 1 of the 2016 National League Division Series, he hit a solo home run that was the only run in a 1–0 Cubs victory. This was the first 1–0 playoff win for the Cubs since 1906. He also helped the Cubs win a close Game 4, sending them to the 2016 National League Championship Series.

In the NLCS, Báez stole home in a game, which is very rare in the postseason. He and Jon Lester were named co-MVPs of the NLCS. Báez was a key part of the Cubs winning the 2016 World Series in 7 games, ending a 108-year championship drought for the team. He also won a Fielding Bible Award for his excellent defense at different positions.

Switch to shortstop (2017)

In 2017, Báez became known for his quick tags on players trying to steal bases. Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Báez's defense was very important to the team's success. He played a lot at both second base and shortstop. He finished the season with a .273 batting average, 23 home runs, and 75 RBIs. He won another Fielding Bible Award for his defense.

NL MVP runner-up (2018)

Báez during the 2018 Home Run Derby

In 2018, Báez had a fantastic season. On April 10 and 11, he hit two home runs in back-to-back games against the Pittsburgh Pirates. By May 27, he was the first Cubs player since 2005 to have at least 40 RBIs before Memorial Day.

In July, Báez was chosen as the starting second baseman for the 2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, his first All-Star selection. He 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. He also took part in the Home Run Derby. On September 2, Báez hit his 30th home run and got his 100th RBI, a rare achievement for a middle infielder.

For the 2018 season, Báez hit .290 with 34 home runs, a league-leading 111 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. He finished second in the voting for the Most Valuable Player award in the National League.

Second All-Star selection (2019)

Báez with the Cubs in 2019

In 2019, Báez continued to be a strong hitter and base-runner. He hit his 100th career home run on June 23. In July, he was named to his second All-Star Game. He even tried batting left-handed in one game! Unfortunately, he injured his thumb in September, which mostly ended his season. He finished the year batting .281 with 29 home runs and 85 RBIs.

Gold Glove Award (2020)

The 2020 season was shorter due to the pandemic. Báez struggled with his hitting, batting .203. He said it was hard to make adjustments during games because in-game video review was not allowed. Despite his hitting struggles, Báez won a Gold Glove Award for his outstanding defense at shortstop.

Final season in Chicago (2021)

In 2021, Báez made a very unusual play on May 27. He hit a ground ball, but instead of running to first base, he ran back towards home plate. This confused the other team and allowed a teammate to score a run. Báez was able to reach first base safely because of errors by the other team.

Later in the season, Báez was benched by his manager for making a mistake on the bases. Near the trade deadline, he had 22 home runs and 65 RBIs.

New York Mets (2021)

On July 30, 2021, Báez was traded to the New York Mets. He chose to wear number 23 to honor a former Cubs player. In his Mets debut, he hit a 2-run home run. He later moved to second base when his friend Francisco Lindor returned from injury.

Báez faced some criticism from Mets fans during his time there. However, he later scored a game-winning run that helped the Mets win a comeback game.

Detroit Tigers (2022–present)

Báez playing for the Detroit Tigers in September 2022

On December 1, 2021, Báez signed a six-year contract with the Detroit Tigers. He chose to wear number 28. In his Tigers debut on April 8, 2022, Báez hit a game-winning single in the ninth inning. He later missed some time due to a thumb injury. In his first season with the Tigers, he hit 17 home runs and had 67 RBIs.

Continued struggles (2023–2024)

Báez in 2023

In April 2023, Báez was benched by his manager for not running hard on a play. He later said his mind was "everywhere." However, he bounced back in the next two games, helping the Tigers win both times. On June 21, Báez got his 1,000th career hit.

In 2023, he had a batting average of .222. In 2024, he continued to struggle with hitting. On August 26, the Tigers announced that Báez would miss the rest of the season because he needed hip surgery.

Playing for Puerto Rico

World Baseball Classic (2017)

Báez played for the Puerto Rican national team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. He got his first WBC hit on March 10, 2017. He also hit his first WBC home run against Mexico. Puerto Rico played very well, winning all their games in the first two rounds. They reached the finals but lost to the United States. Báez was the leader in stolen bases for the tournament and was chosen for the All-World Baseball Classic team as a second baseman.

World Baseball Classic (2023)

Báez played for Puerto Rico again in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He had a good tournament, hitting .368 with a home run and six RBIs. Puerto Rico won three out of four games in their pool. They played Mexico in the quarterfinals, where Báez hit a home run. However, Mexico won the game 5–4. Báez was again chosen for the All-World Baseball Classic team as a second baseman.

How he plays

Báez is known for his very strong arm and how well he moves around the infield, especially at shortstop. He can throw the ball very fast. He is also known for being aggressive when he bats, meaning he swings at a lot of pitches and doesn't walk very often. He also tends to strike out a lot.

Career highlights and awards

Javier Báez has achieved many great things in his baseball career.

Championships and awards

• World Series Champion: 2016 (with the Chicago Cubs)
• National League Champion: 2016 (with the Chicago Cubs)
• NLCS Most Valuable Player Award: 2016
• Gold Glove Award: 2020 (at shortstop)
• Silver Slugger Award: 2018 (at second base)
• Fielding Bible Award: 2016, 2017, 2018 (for playing multiple positions), 2020 (at shortstop)
• MLB All-Star: 2018, 2019
• World Baseball Classic All-Tournament Team: 2017, 2023
• Home Run Derby participant: 2018

Other notable achievements

• Hit four home runs in one minor league game (2013).
• Hit a home run in his very first MLB game (2014).
• Hit three home runs in his first three MLB games (2014).
• Hit a walk-off home run (winning hit in the last inning) in 2016.
• Hit a grand slam (home run with bases loaded) in the 15th inning in 2016.
• Stole home base in a playoff game (2016), a very rare play.
• Helped the Cubs win their first World Series in 108 years (2016).
• Led the National League in RBIs in 2018.
• Hit his 100th career home run in 2019.
• Hit a home run in his New York Mets debut (2021).
• Hit his 150th career home run and a walk-off home run in his Detroit Tigers debut (2022).
• Collected his 1,000th career hit in 2023.

Personal life

Báez with his wife and child in 2019

Javier Báez's sister, Noely, passed away on April 8, 2015, at age 21. She had a health condition called spina bifida. Báez took time off from baseball to be with his family. Báez is naturally left-handed for everyday tasks like eating and writing. He believes this helps him in baseball. He once even batted left-handed in a game!

Báez got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Irmarie Márquez, in 2018. Their son was born in June 2018. They got married in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in January 2019. Irmarie's sister is married to another Puerto Rican baseball player, José Berríos. Báez chose "El Mago" (The Magician) as his nickname for Players Weekend in 2017 and 2018.

See also

In Spanish: Javier Báez para niños

• List of Major League Baseball players from Puerto Rico