Detroit Tigers second baseman Javier Baez back with Team Puerto Rico

Detroit Tigers second baseman Javier Baez is going to be in a familiar place come March.

The acrobatic and flashy infielder is hoping that the second time is the charm as he has committed to join Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, following up on his previous appearance in the tournament in 2017.

Detroit Tigers infielder Javier Baez could use World Baseball Classic as springboard for 2023

Baez has been a major disappointment for the Tigers this season. He had signed a six year deal worth $140 million, but has produced a .230/.272/.369 batting line with 12 homers and 24 doubles in his 492 plate appearances. That performance has made Baez one of the poster children for what has been a disappointing Tigers season.

But there is reason to hope that his time in the WBC will help get him back on track. Baez was named to the All-World Baseball Classic Team in 2017, posting a .296 batting average with a homer, five RBI, and four steals. His no look tag on Nelson Cruz, celebrating before he even caught the throw, is still a well remembered highlight.

That performance was also a springboard for Baez in the regular season. He posted what was then a career best 102 OPS+ with 23 homers and 24 doubles. That began a run where, excluding the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign, he was an above average bat from 2017 through 2021.

The Tigers certainly need that to be the case again. Baez is part of the core that they envision will lead them back to relevance and the postseason, but he needs to start hitting once again. Maybe the WBC can get that to happen. And maybe, this time, Team Puerto Rico will finally win the tournament after a pair of runner-up finishes.

Javier Baez is back with Team Puerto Rico for the World Baseball Classic. The Detroit Tigers are hoping this will be another springboard for the regular season.