Contract Decision and Expectations
The team signed Javier Baez to a six-year, $140 million deal with high hopes of making him the everyday shortstop and a key offensive catalyst. The decision was based on his impressive display before joining the team, when he produced strong numbers in a brief stint that hinted at his potential. However, enthusiasm quickly gave way to concern as performance expectations were not met.
Declining Performance Metrics
Baez’s statistical performance has steadily declined since the signing. His OPS+ numbers have fallen from 91 in one season to 63 the following year and dropped further to 46 in the most recent campaign. A season marked by significant struggles resulted in a negative bWAR, compounded by a season-ending hip surgery. With a substantial portion of his contract still remaining, his struggles have placed a heavy burden on the team’s payroll and overall strategy.
Internal Reflections and Organizational Impact
Former team leadership admitted that early warning signs were present, including issues with his swing and a tendency to miss consistently. Despite demonstrating the ability to produce at a high level during a short period in another league, other performance indicators such as poor walk-to-strikeout ratios and high swinging strike rates pointed to potential regression. This oversight has not only tarnished the immediate prospects for success but also complicated moves in free agency, impacting the team’s broader plans in securing top-tier talent. The misstep in management and judgment continues to shape the organization’s present challenges, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of overlooking performance red flags.