The Tigers announced that outfielder Akil Baddoo underwent surgery to address a hamate hook fracture in his right hand yesterday. The club didn’t provide a return-to-play timeline but such procedures usually require a shutdown period of four to eight weeks.
Baddoo, 26, came into camp as a non-roster depth outfielder. The Tigers passed him through waivers unclaimed in December, so he no longer had a spot on the 40-man roster. The fact that he lost his roster spot and no other club claimed him is a testament to his recent struggles. He had a tremendous 2021 season but wasn’t able to keep his performance going in the subsequent three seasons.
Going into 2021, the Tigers plucked Baddoo from the Twins in the 2020 Rule 5 draft, and he hit the ground running that year. He got into 124 games for the Tigers, hitting 13 home runs and slashing .259/.330/.436 for a 108 wRC+. He also stole 18 bases and played all three outfield positions.
Since that was just his age-22 season, it seemed like the Tigers had snagged a nice long-term piece for their outfield. However, Baddoo has hit just .203/.292/.328 for a 76 wRC+ over the past three seasons. He has been surpassed on the depth chart by other outfielders and been bumped down into a depth role. He spent most of 2024 on optional assignment, getting into 82 Triple-A games and hitting .238/.340/.418 at that level for a 98 wRC+. As mentioned, he was bumped off the 40-man roster a couple of months ago.
Going into the season, the Tigers project to have Riley Greene and Parker Meadows in two outfield spots. Matt Vierling will likely be in another, though it’s possible he ends up at third base if prospect Jace Jung struggles. Kerry Carpenter will undoubtedly see some time in the outfield as well, though he projects as a frequent designated hitter, at least against right-handed pitching.
Justyn-Henry Malloy and Wenceel Pérez could be in the mix but also have minor league options remaining, meaning they could be ticketed for regular playing time in Triple-A. Andy Ibáñez and Zach McKinstry will likely be in utility roles at the major league level.
Players like Jahmai Jones, Bligh Madris and Baddoo gave the Tigers some extra depth in the non-roster department, but Baddoo will be subtracted from that group for a while. He will likely be shut down until late March/early April. At that point, he will effectively have to restart spring training to get into game shape, meaning he may not be a realistic option for the Tigers until May.
All bad for Baddoo.
It’s possible the Tigers may bid adieu to Baddoo as a result.
Nicely done.
I hope they give Baddoo a bunch of steroids to heal… he needs to beef up.
I really like Wenceel in RF. He reminds me of a Roy White type of player. .270 hitter with 10 homer power a little speed. Does what needs to be done to win a game. Nothing flashy, a nice player to fill a spot.
Interesting. The survival rate of this surgery is essentially 100%. I guess he doesn’t need me to send him thoughts and prayers.
Yet, many still will. Then have the audacity to say that’s the reason he survived. You wouldn’t hear a peep out of em if he didn’t though, lol.
York – Everyone can always use thoughts and prayers.
Many years ago I was at a Jays game and the woman next to me was with the Billy Graham Ministry. She asked me if there was anything I wanted her to pray for, so I told her one thing. And two months later it came true.
thoughts and prayers are too stupid for words, you may as well do nothing and save your breath, prayers do nothing, they have the same work rate as chance, the fact so many people think it is doing something speaks volumes about how credulous people are
I can’t figure out what happened to Akil. My best guess is that he is a bit of a hot shot and coaches aren’t able to get through to him.
Examples include him high fiving the first base coach when he thought he had a homer, and constantly pausing game action so he could retrieve the helmet that flew off his head while running the bases. Not once or occasionally. Nearly every time he got a hit or advanced. He’s clearly the type that needs the spotlight.
Flash in the pan!
I remember Craig Monroe (former Tigers analyst) thought Baddoo went to work on his weaknesses and thought he didn’t do enough work on his strengths. And since then has been trying to find them again.
Yeah. Maybe. I just don’t understand how he hit MLB pitching, then went to the minors and did even worse.
Promising rookie year and nothing after that.
Baddoo must be a good club house guy because he sure can’t hit or field. So surprised he has been a Tiger so long.
When did this injury occur?
Jung was never going to be given full time ABs at 3B. Vierling and Ibanez will fill in against LHs. This is a Hinch team and he likes to platoon when ever possible. Greene will get full time ABs. Torres probably will, also. Every other spot will be based on match ups.
Could be Meadows will also be an everydayer, but you could be right. As for Baddoo, surprised he was even in Tigers camp. Tigers must still like him even if they lopped him off the 40 man.
Jung, if he wins the job, should get like 70% of the starts. So like 115 games or so. So like 460-500 PAs.
Needs to just shorten his name to Bad!
Early on I enjoyed watching Akil play but soon realized if you play him Baddoo will do bad.
.
Hello? (tap tap) Is this thing on?
That’s going to zap his power.
I guess he didn’t have any. anyway.
Akil Baddoo, what are doing in my car!
Sad.
Bring back the ,”Yabadab”!!!!!
“A kil you”
You win.
You blazed a trail lampooning the equally-compelling forename that we lamely ignored.
A Sinatra Baddoo Bee Doobeebaddoo to you.
Save money on Uber w this Y. Baddoo lad. Fred Wilma Barney and Betty use their feets
Is this really news? I think he already played himself out of their plans.