Tigers Trade Javier Baez to Marlins

Detroit sends veteran infielder to Miami in deal for prospects

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Detroit Tigers have traded veteran infielder Javier Baez to the Miami Marlins in a deal that will see the Tigers receive shortstop Javier Sanoja and pitcher Daxton Fulton in return. The move comes as the Tigers look to reduce their payroll while the Marlins aim to add more power to their lineup as they push for a playoff spot.

Why it matters

The trade represents a shift in direction for both teams. The Tigers are moving on from Baez, a high-priced veteran, as they look to the future, while the Marlins are betting on Baez's power to help boost their offense and make a postseason run.

The details

In the deal, the Tigers will receive shortstop prospect Javier Sanoja and pitcher Daxton Fulton from the Marlins. Baez, who is owed a significant amount of money, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and has seen his playing time diminish with the emergence of Kerry Carpenter in Detroit. The Marlins, meanwhile, are hoping that Baez can provide a power boost to their lineup as they look to build on their strong 2025 campaign.

  • The trade was completed on February 17, 2026.

The players

Javier Baez

A veteran infielder who has spent the last few seasons with the Detroit Tigers.

Javier Sanoja

A shortstop prospect in the Marlins' farm system who is being sent to the Tigers in the deal.

Daxton Fulton

A pitching prospect in the Marlins' farm system who is being sent to the Tigers in the deal.

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What they’re saying

“Javier Baez is a proven power hitter who can provide a big boost to our lineup as we push for the playoffs.”

— Kim Ng, General Manager, Miami Marlins (Miami Herald)

“This trade allows us to free up some payroll space and focus on developing our younger talent as we build towards the future.”

— Al Avila, General Manager, Detroit Tigers (Detroit Free Press)

What’s next

The Marlins will look to integrate Baez into their lineup as they make a push for the playoffs, while the Tigers will focus on developing their prospects Sanoja and Fulton as part of their rebuilding efforts.

The takeaway

This trade represents a shift in direction for both the Tigers and Marlins, with Detroit moving on from a high-priced veteran in Baez while Miami looks to add more power to their lineup in pursuit of a postseason berth.