Javier Báez Returns to Wrigley Field for the First Time Since Being Traded

The Chicago Cubs will welcome back a familiar face on Tuesday.

For the first time since being traded at the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline, shortstop Javier Báez will make his Wrigley Field return. The Cubs are set to host the Detroit Tigers for a three game series beginning on Tuesday.

Báez was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the New York Mets in 2021 along with Trevor Williams and cash for the teams current everyday centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong . At the end of that season, he elected free agency and signed a six year, $140M contract with the Detroit Tigers, an average annual salary of $23.3M.

Since his departure from the Cubs, its been a tough road for Báez. He has struggled every season since his departure and has hit .221/.262/.348. This season he has been even worse with a .185/.223/.267 across 78 games. He has been in consideration for having one of the worst contracts in baseball.

Baez was a huge piece in helping the Cubs. One of the biggest moments on the teams path to their first World Series since 1908 happened in Game one of the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Javier Baez stole home as pitcher Jon Lester pulled back his bunt attempt. This would help Báez go on to win co-NLCS MVP and send them to the Fall Classic against the Cleveland Indians.

The Cubs made the tough choice in 2021 to change directions, moving on from the majority of the World Series core, and like most of their decision that year it seemed to be the right choice.

Pete Crow-Armstrong has been an elite defender in center field. His 7 outs above average (OAA) is the seventh best among National League centerfielders in just his rookie season.

The team has rebuilt nicely over the past few seasons, and started the season as the second best farm system according to MLB Pipeline (since then have moved to eighth). They are finally seeing the results stemming from the selloff that occurred three seasons ago and back in postseason contention.

Regardless of how Báez has performed since leaving Chicago, he deserves his moment under the lights and get the ovation he deserves as he returns back to Wrigley Field.

The first pitch of the series opener against the Tigers on Tuesday is scheduled for 8:05 PM EST.