Tigers Sign Shortstop Javier Baez to 6-year, $140 million

DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers have signed free agent shortstop Javier Baez to a six year, $140 million contract, according to a multiple reports.

MLB insider Jon Morosi first reported the Tigers and Baez were "close to signing a multi-year deal" early Tuesday morning on Twitter.

Baez a two-time all-star turns 29 on Wednesday, spent eight seasons with Chicago Cubs before being traded to the New York Mets in July.

Baez has a career batting average of .264 with 149 home runs and 465 RBIs. Although he struckout a career high 184 times last season, which constituted a career-worst 33.6% strikeout rate, he finished strong for Mets hitting for .299 with nine home runs.

Even though Baez played second base for the Mets, he is routinely a shortstop and was a key player at the position for the Cubs' 2016 World Series Championship team. He routinely displayed one of the best throwing arms in baseball while covering great range at the position.

There was reports circulating that the Tigers were interested in shortstop Carlos Correa, but he's seeking a larger deal, somewhere in the ballpark of ten years and $350 million.

The Tigers were also linked to other recent shortstop signings, such as Marcus Semien and Corey Seager, who both signed with the Texas Rangers for a combined 17 years and $500 million.

Signing Baez is the Tigers third major offseason move after acquiring veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart and signing left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez.