Joshua Báez Makes MLB History With Three-Homer Debut

Joshua Báez turned his long-awaited arrival in Major League Baseball into a record-setting performance Saturday, becoming the first player in MLB history to hit three home runs in his debut. The 23-year-old Dominican outfielder accomplished the feat for the St. Louis Cardinals in an 8-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Báez wasted no time making an impact. He launched a home run on the first pitch he saw in the major leagues, then went deep again in his second plate appearance. His third at-bat produced another home run, completing an unprecedented three-homer start to his professional career at the highest level.

A Historic Start in Chicago

The three home runs came in different parts of the field, underscoring the range of Báez’s power. His first was a 449-foot drive to center field, while his second was a solo shot and his third was a two-run homer. He finished the game with five RBIs, helping the Cardinals build and maintain their lead over Chicago.

The performance also placed Báez in a particularly rare group of players who have homered in each of their first two major league at-bats. His third home run, however, moved the achievement into territory no previous player had reached.

For St. Louis, the victory added a memorable chapter to a season in which the organization has been counting on young talent. Báez’s immediate contribution provided both offensive production and a historic moment in a game against one of the National League’s most recognizable franchises.

From Triple-A to an MLB Record

The Cardinals promoted Báez from Triple-A Memphis before Saturday’s game. He arrived in St. Louis after producing significant power in the minor leagues, including 34 home runs and 90 RBIs in 103 games for Memphis, according to MLB reporting.

That production had already established Báez as one of the Cardinals’ notable prospects. MLB Pipeline ranked him as the organization’s No. 3 prospect entering his major league opportunity, making his promotion a significant moment for a player who had spent years working toward his debut.

His performance in Chicago immediately demonstrated why the Cardinals viewed him as a potential offensive weapon. Rather than needing time to adjust to major league pitching, Báez connected for a home run in each of his first three at-bats, turning his debut into an achievement that will remain part of MLB history.

Cardinals Defeat Cubs 8-4

Báez’s three homers were central to St. Louis’ victory, but the Cardinals received contributions elsewhere in the lineup. The team added home runs from Blaze Jordan and Alec Burleson, while pitcher Michael McGreevy worked six innings without allowing an earned run.

Chicago briefly tied the game on a three-run homer by Michael Conforto, but St. Louis regained control and finished with an eight-run offensive performance. Cubs starter Matthew Boyd was charged with the loss after allowing seven runs.

For Báez, the result was more than a successful first game. His three-homer debut established a record that had never been achieved in the major leagues and immediately made his first appearance one of the most distinctive debuts in MLB history.