Detroit Tigers have agreed on multi-year deal with free-agent shortstop Javier Baez, source says

The Detroit Tigers have agreed to a 6-year, $140 million deal with free-agent shortstop Javier Baez, a source told ESPN's Buster Olney.

The deal also includes an opt-out, the source told Olney.

While he struck out a league-high 184 times last season, Baez finished hitting .265 with 31 homers, 87 RBIs and 18 steals. He would also bring gold glove defense to Detroit with his signature no-look tags. 

The Cubs selected Baez in the first round of the 2011 draft. The two-time National League All-Star had been close to signing a long-term extension with Chicago before the 2020 season, but the COVID-19 pandemic put negotiations on hold.

Related Stories

Man dies after setting himself on fire near court

• Apr 20, 9:00 AM

Could popular vote decide presidential elections?

• Apr 21, 6:23 AM

OJ Simpson dies at 76

• Apr 11, 6:32 PM

Those contract talks never resumed, and the Cubs traded Baez to the Mets this past July.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers contributed to this report.