Javier Báez hits walk-off three-run homer for Tigers

DETROIT -- While Tigers fans relished in another night of booing Alex Bregman, the free agent Detroit nearly signed, the last big-name free agent they signed to a long-term deal continued his hero turn.

Javier Báez can relate to Bregman, having received his occasional share of boos in Detroit over the past couple seasons. Unlike Bregman, the boos for Báez came from the home crowd; the shortstop signed a six-year contract after the 2021 season, and he struggled with expectations and injuries. But with each big play, each clutch hit this year, Tigers fans have come around to embrace El Mago, his turnaround and his position shift to center field.

And after Báez's second three-run homer Tuesday night, a walk-off drive in the 11th inning for a 10-9 win over the Red Sox, the chants echoed around the Comerica Park concourse: “Ja-vy! Ja-vy!”

Báez is an unlikely hero on a team built around prospects developed through the organization. But he’s a fitting hero for the Comeback City, not just for his revival, but his unselfishness.