Javier Baez of the Detroit Tigers, selected for his third career All-Star game after six years away from the honor, recently expressed admiration for his fellow All-Star and former New York Mets teammate, Francisco Lindor. Both players are enjoying standout seasons and could potentially face each other again in the World Series this fall.
Baez Returns to All-Star Status After Career Resurgence
Baez, a 32-year-old shortstop and former World Series champion, has revived his career after some challenging seasons, becoming a key contributor to Detroit’s impressive 59-38 record at the All-Star break—the best in Major League Baseball. His tenure with the Tigers has solidified his role as a vital player during their recent success, following a brief stint with the Mets in 2021 where he played 47 games.
Shared Success and Respect Between Baez and Lindor
Francisco Lindor, who also returned to the All-Star stage this year for the first time since 2019, has maintained a high level of play with the Mets. Although their time as teammates was short, Baez clearly values the connection, saying,
“
You’re here because you’re doing something good…He’s a great player. He’s gonna do what he’s doing out there.
”
—Javier Baez, Detroit Tigers shortstop
The respect between Baez and Lindor highlights their parallel roles as leaders for their respective teams, with both players serving as catalysts behind their teams’ competitive positions this season.
Team Performance and Playoff Prospects
Detroit is demonstrating significant progress, building on their first playoff appearance since 2014 and poised to continue that momentum this year. Meanwhile, Lindor and the Mets have faced some inconsistencies but remain close contenders in the National League East, trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by just half a game.
Potential for a World Series Showdown
With both Baez and Lindor playing pivotal roles and their teams in strong playoff positions, the possibility of them meeting again in the World Series fuels excitement among fans. This scenario would echo their earlier shared success nearly ten years ago and underscore the lasting impact they continue to have in the MLB.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Francisco Lindor called Mr. Smile?
A. Francisco Lindor stands out among the Mets players. He has distinct hair and a flashy style, paired with a big, bright smile. This has earned him the nickname “Mr. Smile.”