MLB fans roasted Javier Báez after he struck out on another pitch in the opposite batter's box

There have been some terrible contracts handed out in recent years across MLB. Whether it be deals for Stephen Strasburg or Christian Yelich, the buyer’s remorse is real in those unfortunate front offices. And you just know that the Tigers aren’t pleased with how the six-year, $140 million signing of Javier Báez has panned out.

It’s getting tough to watch at this point.

After a pair of All-Star seasons with the Cubs, Báez started showing signs of decline in the COVID-shortened 2020 season. He was dealt to the Mets in 2021 and was able to leverage a solid 47 games into a massive deal with Detroit. Even at his best, Báez has had one of the worst strikeout rates in MLB but was able to make up for it with solid power numbers.

That’s no longer the case. His power is gone, and his lack of plate discipline is becoming a meme.

Seranthony Domínguez, Nasty 91mph Slider.

Báez just needs a longer bat. pic.twitter.com/wHgkuPIpWC

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 6, 2023

During Monday’s game against the Phillies, Báez struck out twice to drop his average to .219 on the season. His eighth-inning strikeout against Seranthony Domínguez was particularly embarrassing with Báez swinging at a slider that never came close to the plate and would have hit a left-handed batter. This has been a recurring theme for Báez. Like, it’s bad.

Javy Baez swinging at pitches that never left the opposite batters box… pic.twitter.com/1p13YlclwB

— Evan (@EvanBoller) May 30, 2023

Báez has among the worst chase rates in baseball, and it shows. He simply cannot stop himself from swinging at sliders over the opposite batter’s box.