Detroit Free Press

There’s a new person in charge of the fan experience at Little Caesars Arena and other Ilitch-owned properties. Chris McGowan comes to the area after nine years with the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. His official title is president and chief executive officer of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E), the business division of the Detroit Red

For the past two seasons, Detroit Tigers third baseman Jeimer Candelario has been the best player on the roster. The 28-year-old — boasting a team-high 4.8 WAR — played 201 of a possible 220 games, hitting .278 with 53 doubles, 23 home runs and 96 RBIs. He also posted a .356 on-base percentage, 10.2% walk rate and 22.1% strikeout rate. He was worth plus-three defensive runs

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila picked up his phone. It was Nov. 3. Players had just officially become free agents and teams could contact player representatives. Before calling anyone else, Avila dialed the number for Nick Chanock, senior vice president of baseball at Wasserman Media Group. Chanock is Javier Baez’s agent. “He was their top target the

That the Detroit Tigers got to 77 wins in 2021, especially considering they had NINE through the first fifth of the season, was surprising, if not shocking. They did so despite having several glaring holes — first base, second base, shortstop, center field — for the entire season, plus a rotation with just two pitchers who lasted from Opening

The collective bargaining agreement between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association expired at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, just seven hours after Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez, who signed a six-year, $140 million contract, expressed his readiness “to play” for his new organization. Two minutes after the CBA’s expiration, MLB officially implemented a lockout.

The Detroit Tigers have hired Gary Jones as the Triple-A Toledo manager for the 2022 season. He replaces Tom Prince, who helped the Mud Hens to a 74-56 record — the team’s best finish since 2007 — and the Triple-A Midwest Division championship last year in his only season. The Tigers fired Prince in early October.

AJ Hinch wanted Javier Baez on his baseball team. And if you believe Hinch is one of the best managers in the game, then it isn’t a stretch to believe Hinch sees a few things in the Detroit Tigers’ new shortstop that aren’t as easily seen by everyone else. Which means that your view of

Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez has plenty of top-tier qualities, such as clout in batter’s box, elite defense, magical baserunning and the understanding of what it takes to win a World Series. The 29-year-old wears his emotions on his sleeve and carries the nickname “El Mago,” which translates to “The Magician.” But Baez has terrible plate discipline.

Javier Baez celebrated his 29th birthday Wednesday. His gift? A six-year, $140 million contract from the Detroit Tigers. The deal became official Wednesday afternoon, as Baez traveled to Lakeland, Florida, home of the team’s spring training complex. He completed his medical exams, signed the papers and tossed on a baseball cap with the Old English

Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez put pen to paper Wednesday in Lakeland, Florida, following the completion of his medical exams. His six-year, $140 million contract is official. “There’s no secret that improving the middle of our infield was a top priority for us this offseason, and we’re thrilled to announce the addition of one of baseball’s most

Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez has the potential to win the American League MVP award. The 29-year-old has one frustrating flaw — plate discipline — but should provide everything the Tigers need from their everyday shortstop. On Tuesday, the Tigers signed Baez to a six-year, $140 million contract. He has an opt-out after the 2023

The Detroit Tigers have their shortstop of the future. Among the five top-tier shortstops on the free-agent market, it’s not fan-favorite Carlos Correa, nor is it Corey Seager, Marcus Semien or Trevor Story. Two hours into Tuesday, as most of the Tigers fan base slept, general manager Al Avila struck an agreement with Javier Baez on a

The Detroit Tigers have a new shortstop — Javier Baez. But some fans are disappointed — and others are freaking out — because it’s not the right shortstop. Because it’s not the most expensive shortstop. Because it’s not Carlos Correa, the one almost everyone wanted, the one who seemed so perfect and everybody was hoping for.

The Detroit Tigers tendered contracts to eight eligible players for 2022: Jeimer Candelario, Michael Fulmer, Jose Cisnero, Joe Jimenez, Spencer Turnbull, Dustin Garneau, Harold Castro and Victor Reyes. The only non-tendered player: left-handed pitcher Matthew Boyd, who officially became a free agent at Tuesday’s 8 p.m. tender deadline. WINDSOR: Tigers fans need to stop and breathe. Carlos Correa

The Detroit Tigers are set to sign shortstop Javier Baez to a six-year, $140 million contract. To which I humbly say: Stop. Take a breath. Try not to assume this is the last move the franchise will ever make. Then remember that the team’s designated hitter and occasional first baseman used to be the best hitter in

The Detroit Tigers needed to answer a question. Would the franchise spend a lot — at least $340 million over at least 10 years — for two-time All-Star shortstop Carlos Correa, or would they pick a lesser commitment — six years, $140 million — for two-time All-Star shortstop Javier Baez? Either would make the team better and give the

Javier Baez is the type of player who endears himself to fan bases and ruffles the feathers of rivals. He plays hard, he saves his pitcher runs with his defense, he creates runs his base-running and is always ready to defend his teammates — from the opposition and from fans. Then again, some dislike his penchant for

Yes, I know. You wanted Carlos Correa. He was the home run free agent shortstop in the eyes of many Detroit Tigers fans. But Javier Báez is not a strikeout, even though he’ll do that plenty. The Tigers have agreed to sign Baez to a six-year, $140-million contract, a move that makes sense on several

Detroit Tigers fans are torn. They’re mostly happy about the offseason so far, don’t get me wrong, but some of them wanted different news than they got Tuesday. If you don’t follow our Evan Petzold, you may have missed the Tigers will sign All-Star shortstop Javier Baez. The deal is for six years and $140 million — fewer years

The Detroit Tigers have reached an agreement on a six-year, $140 million contract with free-agent shortstop Javier Baez, a source with knowledge of the situation told the Free Press on Tuesday morning. He has an opt-out in his contract. The Tigers have now acquired three key pieces this offseason, giving the team a better chance of making the