DETROIT, MI (SNN-TV) – The Detroit Tigers have agreed to a six-year, $140 million deal with free-agent shortstop Javier Baez.
The deal also includes an opt-out. It would be the second-largest free-agent deal in Tigers franchise history, since Prince Fielder signed a nine-year, $214 million deal with Detroit in January 2012.
While he struck out a league-high 184 times last season, Baez hit .265 with 31 homers, 87 RBIs and 18 steals. He also brings Gold Glove defense to Detroit with his signature no-look tags.
The Tigers had been looking for a shortstop since it went 77-85 last season, finishing third in the AL Central behind Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox.