Hinch vs. Baez: Tigers Coach Benches Star in Explosive Clash

The Detroit Tigers’ Spring Training camp turned into a war zone. Manager A.J. Hinch tore into shortstop Javier Baez, blaming him for a string of sloppy mistakes that have plagued the team. “He’s costing us big time,” Hinch fumed after a 6-4 loss to the Twins yesterday. Baez brushed it off, calling Hinch’s words “a mistake,” sparking a furious reaction—Hinch benched him on the spot. Now, Baez is seething, vowing to make his coach regret it.

The blowup came after Monday’s game. Baez, 32, booted a routine grounder in the third, letting two runs score, then struck out with bases loaded in the seventh. His spring’s been rough—.189 average, three errors in 12 games. Hinch, who’s been preaching focus after an 86-76 ALDS run in 2024, had enough. “Javy’s not locked in—he’s killing us,” he told reporters, voice tight. Baez, a $140 million star since 2022, smirked and said, “He’s wrong—I’m fine.” That lit the fuse.

Hinch didn’t blink. At 8:30 AM today, he posted the lineup for tomorrow’s Pirates game—Baez’s name was gone, replaced by Zach McKinstry. “He’s out until he gets it,” Hinch snapped, slamming a clipboard. Teammates froze—Tarik Skubal, still stinging from Hinch’s wrath last week, just shook his head. Baez stormed out of the clubhouse, kicking a water cooler. “Regret? Oh, he’ll feel it,” he growled to a buddy, hinting at a fightback—maybe a trade demand or a public jab.

Fans on X are buzzing. “Hinch is right—Baez is a liability,” one posted. Another cried, “Javy’s heart’s not in Detroit anymore.” Baez’s 2024 was shaky—.223, 95 strikeouts, traded from the Cubs for flash that’s faded. Hinch, 50, rebuilt the Tigers from a 66-96 mess in 2021 to playoff contenders. He’s got no patience for slip-ups with Opening Day, March 27 against the Orioles, looming. “We’re not here to babysit,” he said.

Baez isn’t backing down. “I’ve got two rings—he’s got what?” he shot back, referencing his 2016 Cubs title. His six-year deal runs through 2027, but his .600 OPS last year and this spring’s flops have fans souring. Hinch’s benching—first since Baez joined—screams trouble. “Team’s tense,” a source said. “Javy’s mad, A.J.’s done.” With Wenceel Pérez already hobbling and Torkelson’s hotel drama, Detroit’s spring is a mess. Baez’s “regret” threat hangs heavy—will he sulk, swing big, or split? Hinch’s gamble says he doesn’t care—as long as the Tigers win.