Ex-Cubs SS Javier Baez robs home run as Tigers centerfield convert

9 hours ago 1

Javier Baez earned the nickname 'El Mago' when he played shortstop for the Chicago Cubs.

It was well-earned. Baez did things at short that very few had ever done.

But his peak years are long since past. Baez is just trying to hang on in the majors after being a total bust in his big money contract with Detroit.

The Tigers have tried something totally different with Baez, playing him in centerfield.

And on Thursday night, Baez showed that this just might be a move that works out.

In the fifth inning, Jorge Soler launched a ball deep to centerfield.

There went Baez, toward right-center. He leaped toward the fence, stuck his glove beyond the line and polished off a magical moment.

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 2, 2025

Talk about magic!

'El Mago' is back. If his bat can play at all, it might be a lot of shelf life still to go.

But regardless of what comes next, Baez will always have this special moment in Comerica Park to keep him going.