Javier Baez stepped in a time machine and brought us all back to 2017.
Specifically, Oct. 18, 2017.
That day, Baez hit two home runs for the Chicago Cubs.
It was the last time he had homered in the playoffs.
That is, until Wednesday night for the Detroit Tigers.
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Baez launched a home run, drove in four runs and helped the Tigers extend their season to a fifth and decisive game in the ALDS against the Seattle Mariners.
LIFT OFF 🚀
— MLB (@MLB) October 8, 2025
JAVIER BÁEZ TO THE MOON 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0AoX4IBNlz
Baez's journey hasn't been a straight line. For the last couple seasons in Detroit, he looked like he was tumbling to a sad irrelevance.
And then something changed this year.
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First, the Tigers used him in centerfield. It was a change for a guy who earned the nickname El Mago for his fielding, but maybe it was just enough different to create a new mindset for Baez.
This was a new year, a new him, and a chance to redeem himself.
He still swings and misses a lot. He still chases a lot.
But more often this season, Baez has stayed disciplined, and when he's gotten pitches to hit, more often, he's hit them well.
Never more so than on Wednesday evening in Detroit, and so the Tigers, and Baez, play on.
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