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Detroit Tigers top prospect Max Clark did not need much time around Javier Báez to understand why the veteran carries so much respect inside a clubhouse.
Clark spent only a handful of games alongside Báez during the veteran’s recent rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo. Even in that brief stretch, Detroit’s No. 1 prospect came away impressed by Báez’s energy, personality and willingness to connect with younger players.
Báez could have treated the rehab assignment like a temporary stop. Clark said the former All-Star approached it much differently. (All quotes via @EmilyCWaldon on X)
“Javy is the coolest, best teammate I think I’ve ever played with. I played with him, maybe a total of five games. That guy is something special, and it’s a really underrated part of who he is. Everybody talks about the All-Stars and the World Series. That’s Javy, but he’s an incredibly good guy too. That is one of the best dudes that I’ve been around in this game.”
That is strong praise from the player Detroit hopes will eventually become one of the faces of the franchise.
Báez’s Tigers tenure has often been evaluated through his contract and offensive production. Clark’s comments offered a different view, one centered on how Báez acts when cameras and box scores are not the main focus.
Clark was especially struck by the enthusiasm Báez showed despite playing below the major-league level.
“It’s cool to see a guy who has 10 years of service and every accolade a kid can want, and he can still be like a little kid when he plays. He has so much fun with this game. It doesn’t matter. It’s a Triple-A game that he can just roll in and out, do his thing, and just go home. But he’s in the dugout, and he’s at early work. He was here earlier, talking to the guys, having fun, singing to the aux, everything. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him.”
For young players in Toledo, that kind of involvement matters.
Báez has played in a World Series, made multiple All-Star teams and spent more than a decade in the majors. Clark saw a veteran who still arrived early, participated fully and brought life to the dugout.
Clark is one of the most important players in Detroit’s future. His brief time with Báez gave him a close look at how an established major leaguer handles himself during an assignment that could easily have felt like a chore.
Instead, Báez treated the Mud Hens like his team.
The Tigers will always need production from Báez. They also value the leadership, experience and energy he brings to younger teammates. Clark’s comments made it clear that impact was felt almost immediately.
Max Clark played only about five games with Javier Báez, but that was enough to leave a lasting impression.
Clark praised Báez as one of the best teammates he has encountered and highlighted the veteran’s willingness to arrive early, stay engaged and enjoy the game at Triple-A.
For all the attention placed on Báez’s numbers, Clark offered a reminder that his influence inside a clubhouse can be just as meaningful.
Continue reading...
Clark spent only a handful of games alongside Báez during the veteran’s recent rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo. Even in that brief stretch, Detroit’s No. 1 prospect came away impressed by Báez’s energy, personality and willingness to connect with younger players.
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Clark Calls Báez an Elite Teammate
Báez could have treated the rehab assignment like a temporary stop. Clark said the former All-Star approached it much differently. (All quotes via @EmilyCWaldon on X)
“Javy is the coolest, best teammate I think I’ve ever played with. I played with him, maybe a total of five games. That guy is something special, and it’s a really underrated part of who he is. Everybody talks about the All-Stars and the World Series. That’s Javy, but he’s an incredibly good guy too. That is one of the best dudes that I’ve been around in this game.”
That is strong praise from the player Detroit hopes will eventually become one of the faces of the franchise.
Báez’s Tigers tenure has often been evaluated through his contract and offensive production. Clark’s comments offered a different view, one centered on how Báez acts when cameras and box scores are not the main focus.
Báez Brought Energy to Triple-A
Clark was especially struck by the enthusiasm Báez showed despite playing below the major-league level.
“It’s cool to see a guy who has 10 years of service and every accolade a kid can want, and he can still be like a little kid when he plays. He has so much fun with this game. It doesn’t matter. It’s a Triple-A game that he can just roll in and out, do his thing, and just go home. But he’s in the dugout, and he’s at early work. He was here earlier, talking to the guys, having fun, singing to the aux, everything. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him.”
For young players in Toledo, that kind of involvement matters.
Báez has played in a World Series, made multiple All-Star teams and spent more than a decade in the majors. Clark saw a veteran who still arrived early, participated fully and brought life to the dugout.
You must be registered for see images attach
Why Clark’s Praise Matters
Clark is one of the most important players in Detroit’s future. His brief time with Báez gave him a close look at how an established major leaguer handles himself during an assignment that could easily have felt like a chore.
Instead, Báez treated the Mud Hens like his team.
The Tigers will always need production from Báez. They also value the leadership, experience and energy he brings to younger teammates. Clark’s comments made it clear that impact was felt almost immediately.
Bottom Line
Max Clark played only about five games with Javier Báez, but that was enough to leave a lasting impression.
Clark praised Báez as one of the best teammates he has encountered and highlighted the veteran’s willingness to arrive early, stay engaged and enjoy the game at Triple-A.
For all the attention placed on Báez’s numbers, Clark offered a reminder that his influence inside a clubhouse can be just as meaningful.
Continue reading...
