The Detroit Tigers expected impressive results after signing former Chicago Cubs standout Javier Baez over the offseason. Detroit inked the All-Star shortstop to a 6-year, $140 million dollar deal. The Tigers believed he was a star they could build a winner around. Experts around MLB believed the team was destined to finally contend during the 2022 campaign with Baez leading the charge. Instead, Javier Baez has emerged as the Russell Westbrook of MLB.

Westbrook was traded to the Lakers in the 2021 NBA offseason. Los Angeles was favored to win the West with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook at the helm. But the Lakers ultimately missed the postseason after a disastrous performance from Westbrook.

So how are Baez and Westbrook similar? Here are 3 reasons Javier Baez is the Russell Westbrook of MLB.

3 reasons Tigers' Javier Baez is the Russell Westbrook of MLB

Former All-Stars turned outcasts

Both Westbrook and Baez are former All-Stars. They have made a combined 11 All-Star teams between their respective sports. However, both have faltered with age.

Russell Westbrook became known as a turnover machine who shot for a low field goal percentage with the Lakers a season ago. He was amongst the league leaders with just under 4 turnovers per contest. His style of play led to bad decision making and forced passes. Meanwhile, his shot selection was questionable at best.

On the other hand, Baez is currently considered the worst hitter in baseball, per Barstool Sports. He ranks last in wRC+ this season.

The duo have similar play styles despite playing in different sports which we will touch on in a second. But there is no denying the fact that both Russell Westbrook and Javier Baez are former stars who have fallen from grace.

Out of control approaches to the game

Westbrook and Baez have wild and out of control approaches to their respective sports.

Baez possesses a wild swing and lacks any form of plate discipline. Even in his prime he had trouble laying off pitches out of the zone. The Tigers shortstop currently owns a 26 percent strikeout rate and just a lackluster 4.4 percent walk rate.

Defensively, Baez happens to be a quality performer in similar fashion to Westbrook.

But it is extremely difficult to look past his offensive struggles and out of control swing.

And the same can be said for Westbrook.

His turnovers are often unnecessary. He dribbles too long and tends to force passes that don't need to be made. Westbrook is no stranger to tossing up air balls or clanking shots off the top of the backboard as well.

The Tigers' shortstop and Lakers' point guard's play styles lineup well with one another.

But it isn't all bad.

Flair for the dramatic

Westbrook and Baez are two of the most exciting players to watch in their sports. Westbrook is liable at any given moment to gain a full head of steam and throw down a jaw dropping dunk. Meanwhile, Baez can amaze you with incredible defensive plays and tape measure home runs.

Baez has shown an ability to step up in clutch moments as well. He kicked off the Tigers 2022 campaign with a walk-off hit. He also played a major role in the Cubs' 2016 World Series run.

Westbrook has made a number of clutch shots throughout the course of his career. Although, he has yet to win a championship.

Final thoughts

Russell Westbrook-Javier Baez may seem like an odd comparison at first. But it ends up seeming like the perfect comparison after some analysis. Both are extremely talented athletes with potential for greatness. It will be intriguing to see if either of them can turn their careers around moving forward.