1. Overview
Pedro Alberys Báez (born March 11, 1988) is a Dominican former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros. Originally signed as an international free agent in 2007 by the Dodgers, Báez began his career as a third baseman before successfully transitioning to a pitcher after the 2012 season. He made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 2014 and was a key member of the Dodgers' 2020 World Series championship team, appearing in six playoff series for Los Angeles. After a stint with the Astros, he briefly rejoined the Dodgers organization in 2022. He is known by his nickname, La MulaThe MuleSpanish, reflecting his strong work ethic.
2. Early Career and Transition
Pedro Báez's early career saw him develop as a third baseman within the Los Angeles Dodgers' minor league system, where he gained recognition for his defensive skills. Following several seasons, the organization made the strategic decision to convert him into a pitcher, a transition that ultimately led to his Major League Baseball debut.
2.1. Minor League Career as Third Baseman
Báez signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent on January 22, 2007, out of Baní, Dominican Republic, a signing facilitated by assistant general manager Logan White. He began his professional career as a third baseman that same season with the Gulf Coast Dodgers. In 53 games, he achieved a batting average of .274, with a .341 on-base percentage and a .408 slugging percentage. He led the league with five sacrifice flies, ranked second in the Gulf Coast League with 39 RBIs, sixth with 14 doubles, and eighth with 35 runs. He was also recognized for having the best infield arm in the Dodgers organization.
In 2008, Báez split his time between the Ogden Raptors of the Pioneer Baseball League and the Great Lakes Loons of the Midwest League. Across 120 games, he hit .229 with a .285 on-base percentage and a .398 slugging percentage, recording 13 home runs and 66 RBIs. The 2009 season saw him play 79 games for the Inland Empire 66ers of the California League, where he batted .286 with a .326 on-base percentage and a .445 slugging percentage, along with 10 home runs and 61 RBIs. He was again cited by Baseball America as possessing the best infield arm in the Dodgers system and was selected to represent the World team in the 2009 All-Star Futures Game.
In 2010, Báez spent the majority of the season with the 66ers before concluding the year with the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Class AA Southern League. He played in 84 games, hitting .263 with a .313 on-base percentage and a .348 slugging percentage, contributing six home runs and 45 RBIs. For the second consecutive season, he was selected to the World team at the All-Star Futures Game. His 2011 season with the Lookouts was limited to 32 games early on, where he hit .210 with a .278 on-base percentage and a .381 slugging percentage in 105 at-bats, spending most of the year on the disabled list.
In 2012, while playing for the Lookouts, Báez was selected to the mid-season Southern League All-Star team. Between the Lookouts and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, he appeared in 128 games, hitting .221 with a .306 on-base percentage and a .374 slugging percentage, along with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs. Baseball America once more rated him as the Dodgers' best minor league defensive infielder and noted his exceptional infield arm. Throughout his minor league career as a position player, he played 484 games at third base, one at shortstop, and one at first base.
2.2. Conversion to Pitcher
Following the 2012 season, the Dodgers organization made the decision to convert Báez from a third baseman to a pitcher. This significant transition marked a new phase in his professional career. On November 20, 2013, the Dodgers added Báez to their 40-man roster, signaling their commitment to his development in his new role.
To begin the 2013 season, Báez was assigned as a pitcher to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, and he was subsequently promoted to the Chattanooga Lookouts mid-season. Across both levels, he appeared in 48 games out of the bullpen and was 3-3 with two saves and a 3.88 ERA over 58 innings pitched. After the regular season, he further honed his pitching skills by throwing 4 1/3 innings for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League.
3. Major League Career
Pedro Báez's Major League Baseball career spanned several seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he became a consistent presence in their bullpen, and a brief period with the Houston Astros. His time in MLB included significant postseason appearances and a World Series championship.
3.1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Báez's tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers defined the majority of his Major League career, seeing him evolve into a reliable relief pitcher and contribute to multiple playoff runs, culminating in a World Series title.
3.1.1. Debut and Early Seasons (2014-2015)
Báez began the 2014 season with the Chattanooga Lookouts and received his first call-up to the Major Leagues on May 5, 2014. He made his MLB debut later that night against the Washington Nationals, allowing a single and a two-run home run to his first two batters before retiring the next three in his single inning of work. He was optioned back to the minors following the game. After another one-game appearance for the Dodgers in July, he joined the bullpen in August and remained there for the rest of the season. In 20 appearances during 2014, he posted an ERA of 2.63, striking out 18 batters and walking 5.
In 2015, Báez made the Dodgers' opening day roster. He appeared in 52 games, recording a 4-2 record with a 3.35 ERA over 51 innings, striking out 60 batters against only 11 walks, and maintaining a WHIP of 1.14. His first major league win occurred on May 10, when he pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief against the Colorado Rockies. The following week, he was placed on the disabled list due to a right pectoral strain and completed three scoreless innings in three rehab appearances in Triple-A Oklahoma City before rejoining the big league club. In the 2014 National League Division Series (NLDS) against the St. Louis Cardinals, he allowed two runs in 2 1/3 innings, which included a two-run home run by Matt Holliday in Game 1. In Game 3 of the 2015 NLDS, he struggled, with all three batters he faced reaching base (two via walk), and he was charged with three runs without recording an out. A notable challenge for him in 2015 was allowing home runs with runners on base, as all four home runs he surrendered occurred in such situations.
3.1.2. Mid-Career Seasons and Postseason (2016-2019)
The 2016 season marked a significant increase in Báez's role, as he ranked second among Dodger relievers in both games pitched (73) and innings pitched (74). He finished with a 3-2 record, a 3.04 ERA, and 83 strikeouts, limiting opposing batters to a .195 batting average. Despite his strong performance, he allowed 11 home runs and walked 22 batters. In the 2016 NLDS against the Washington Nationals, he pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings over four games. However, in the 2016 National League Championship Series against the Chicago Cubs, he allowed six runs in 3 1/3 innings over three games.
In 2017, Báez was hit by a ball during batting practice early in spring training, which caused him to miss most of camp and start the season on the disabled list. He rejoined the team on April 14. He led the 2017 Dodgers in relief appearances with 66, compiling a 3-6 record with a 2.95 ERA and 64 strikeouts. He experienced command issues in September, giving up five home runs over a short period and facing boos from home fans. Although he was on the Dodgers roster for the 2017 NLDS, he did not appear in a game and was subsequently removed from the playoff roster for later series. To avoid salary arbitration, Báez agreed to a 1.50 M USD contract with the Dodgers for the 2018 season.
His fifth major league season in 2018 saw Báez achieve a 4-3 record and a 2.88 ERA in 55 relief appearances. He struck out 62 batters in 56 1/3 innings of work and held opposing batters to a .220 average. During the 2018 postseason, Báez was 1-0 with an impressive 1.59 ERA over 11 1/3 innings, striking out 14 batters while walking 5.
In 2019, Báez finished with a 7-2 record, securing his first career save, and posting a 3.10 ERA. He led the Dodgers in games pitched with 71, in which he pitched 69 2/3 innings. After an arbitration hearing with the Dodgers, Báez was awarded a 4.00 M USD contract for the 2020 season.
3.1.3. World Series Championship Season (2020)
During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Pedro Báez pitched 17 innings across 18 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing six earned runs for a 3.18 ERA and recording two saves. He contributed to the Dodgers' postseason run, pitching one scoreless inning in the NLDS and allowing one run on two hits in 3 1/3 innings over four games in the NLCS. In the 2020 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, he allowed two runs (both on solo home runs) in 3 1/3 innings over three games as the Dodgers ultimately secured the championship title. Following the 2020 season, Báez became a free agent on October 28.
3.1.4. Pace of Play Criticism
Pedro Báez's slow pace of play during games, particularly during the 2016 postseason, drew significant criticism from sports reporters. His deliberate approach between pitches was frequently cited in discussions supporting Rob Manfred, the MLB Commissioner's, initiatives aimed at speeding up baseball games, often referred to as "pace of play" rules. Following written warnings from Commissioner Manfred, Báez reportedly decreased his average time between pitches in 2017, leading to Jeremy Jeffress taking over the distinction of being the slowest relief pitcher that year.
3.2. Houston Astros
On January 15, 2021, Pedro Báez signed a two-year contract worth 12.50 M USD with the Houston Astros. The contract included a club option for 2023 with a 2.00 M USD buyout. Báez's 2021 season was hampered by health issues; he missed the beginning of the season after testing positive for COVID-19 during spring training and was placed on the 60-day injured list on April 26, 2021, due to shoulder soreness. He was activated from the injured list on August 10. In the early part of the 2022 season, he appeared in three games for Houston, pitching a total of 2 1/3 innings and allowing five hits, three walks, and three earned runs. On April 26, 2022, Báez was designated for assignment (DFA). He subsequently cleared waivers and was released by the Astros the following day, on April 27.
3.3. Los Angeles Dodgers (Second Stint)
On May 19, 2022, Pedro Báez signed a minor league deal to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. During this second stint, he pitched in five games in the Arizona Complex League and seven games for the Oklahoma City Dodgers, allowing 11 runs over 11 innings. He was released by the Dodgers on August 20, 2022.
4. Nickname
Pedro Báez is professionally known by the nickname La MulaThe MuleSpanish. This nickname, which means "The Mule" in Spanish, was prominently displayed on his jersey during the 2018 MLB Players Weekend. Báez himself stated that he earned the moniker due to his exceptional work ethic within the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen.
5. Career Statistics and Achievements
Pedro Báez's professional baseball career included significant contributions as both a position player in the minor leagues and a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. His career statistics reflect his journey through various roles and his impact on the teams he played for.
5.1. Pitching Statistics
| Year | Team | G | GS | CG | SHO | SV | W | L | HLD | ERA | WHIP | BF | IP | H | HR | BB | IBB | HBP | SO | WP | BK | R | ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | LAD | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2.63 | 0.88 | 92 | 24.0 | 16 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| 2015 | LAD | 52 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 3.35 | 1.14 | 208 | 51.0 | 47 | 4 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 60 | 1 | 1 | 22 | 19 |
| 2016 | LAD | 73 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 3.04 | 1.00 | 295 | 74.0 | 52 | 11 | 22 | 0 | 2 | 83 | 3 | 2 | 27 | 25 |
| 2017 | LAD | 66 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 2.95 | 1.33 | 280 | 64.0 | 56 | 9 | 29 | 2 | 2 | 64 | 1 | 1 | 24 | 21 |
| 2018 | LAD | 55 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 2.88 | 1.22 | 237 | 56.1 | 46 | 4 | 23 | 2 | 1 | 62 | 0 | 1 | 19 | 18 |
| 2019 | LAD | 71 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 3.10 | 0.95 | 276 | 69.2 | 43 | 6 | 23 | 1 | 4 | 69 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 24 |
| 2020 | LAD | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3.18 | 1.00 | 70 | 17.0 | 10 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 6 |
| 2021 | HOU | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.08 | 0.69 | 15 | 4.1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | HOU | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11.57 | 3.43 | 16 | 2.1 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| MLB Totals (9 years) | 362 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 15 | 3 | 3.08 | 1.11 | 1489 | 362.2 | 277 | 40 | 124 | 7 | 10 | 376 | 6 | 6 | 144 | 124 | |
5.2. Fielding Statistics
| Year | Team | Pos | G | PO | A | E | DP | FPct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | LAD | P | 20 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| 2015 | LAD | P | 52 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | .833 |
| 2016 | LAD | P | 73 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 2 | .750 |
| 2017 | LAD | P | 66 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| 2018 | LAD | P | 55 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| 2019 | LAD | P | 71 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 0 | .889 |
| 2020 | LAD | P | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ---- |
| 2021 | HOU | P | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ---- |
| 2022 | HOU | P | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ---- |
| MLB Totals | 362 | 6 | 26 | 5 | 3 | .865 | ||
5.3. Minor League Achievements
- All-Star Futures Game selection: 2009, 2010
- Southern League All-Star: 2012
- Rated by Baseball America as having the best infield arm in the Dodgers organization (2007, 2009, 2012)
- Rated by Baseball America as the Dodgers' best minor league defensive infielder (2012)
- Jersey Number: 52 (2014-2022)