LAKELAND, Fla. -- How did Javier Báez see his move to center field on Saturday?
“It's a long way,” Báez said with a smile.
He was kidding. But the way his afternoon went, Báez had a good excuse if he felt isolated in the Joker Marchant Stadium outfield.
For eight innings, Báez stood in center, looking for a chance to put his outfield instincts to work. This is the position he loved to play as a kid, long before he became El Mago.
“Honestly, I never ended my desire to play center,” Báez explained. “I played center all my childhood when I was really young. I did play a little center field in '16 in winter ball and then Spring Training [with the Cubs], and then [they] signed Dexter Fowler to play center.”
But on Saturday, there was nothing for Báez to chase. Jack Flaherty held the Braves to three hits over six scoreless innings. Báez watched Kerry Carpenter make an over-the-shoulder catch in right field, then he backed up left fielder Justyn-Henry Malloy on a ball. Kenta Maeda followed Flaherty with a perfect inning.
“I saw Kenta come in and I was like, 'Oh, we're getting a fly ball right here,'” Báez said.
No fly ball.
“He wanted to stay in for another inning,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “And then he got out to center field and he saw [sinkerballer Brenan] Hanifee coming in, and I think he would’ve ran right in if he would’ve been allowed.”
Said Báez: “Hanifee came in and I was like, 'There's not going to be a fly ball here.'”
The only time Báez touched a ball in play was when a throw from the catcher sailed into the outfield.
“It was fine,” Báez said. “I was working on positioning and pre-pitch. I feel good right now. They didn't hit balls out there, but I did play outfield in the scrimmage game here and I got a couple balls and a couple good reads.”
Báez’s center-field debut followed a few games at third base over the past couple weeks. He has played as many games at third base as he has at shortstop since March 13. It’s a change of role for a Gold Glove shortstop in 2020 and a mainstay at short for Detroit since signing as a free agent before the ‘22 season.
So why does Báez do it?
“I've done it before, pretty much all my career,” Báez said.
Báez bounced around the infield on the 2016 World Series champion Cubs, split ‘17 between shortstop and second, then was their primary second baseman in ‘18 before becoming the full-time shortstop. When the Cubs traded him at the ‘21 Deadline, he played second base for the Mets alongside All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor.
For Báez, it’s a chance to be an athlete.
“I just kinda focus on the different angles and work on my timing,” Báez said. “At first when I moved from short to second, the angle was kinda hard, the ball coming off of the bat. But once you get used to both, I think you can play all over the field.”
It’s also his best chance to play and help the 2025 Tigers. When right hip surgery ended Báez’s ‘24 season, Trey Sweeney took over at short and played a big role in Detroit’s charge to the postseason. Sweeney has played all Spring Training at shortstop. Meanwhile, the Tigers have voids at third base and center field.
Báez was among many Tigers who had Sunday off, bypassing their Grapefruit League finale against the Phillies in Clearwater altogether. He’s expected to get another appearance in center during the Tigers’ two-game exhibition series against the Giants at Oracle Park.
How much Báez might play center once the season begins depends on the roster. With Parker Meadows out for at least another month, Wenceel Pérez is Detroit’s primary center fielder. Riley Greene can play center, but the Tigers -- knowing how much Greene runs and dives out there -- want to watch his wear and tear.
For a manager who values versatility, Báez -- if he’s not an everyday shortstop -- gives in-game flexibility.
“We’re not committed to anything other than: 'What if? What if the game leads us to that type of decision?'” Hinch said. “Let’s say Riley’s DHing and Wenceel really needs a day off. With the way the roster is trending, we’ll see, depending on how the last position player battle does.”
Báez is ready. Just give him a glove. No really. For now, he has Bligh Madris’ outfield glove.
“I've been using [Matt] Vierling's, Parker's and this is the one that is more broken down,” Báez said. “So I was like, 'Let me have that one. I'll order more and give you one.'”
Senior Reporter Jason Beck has covered the Tigers for MLB.com since 2002.
