Javier Baez pledges free hot meals to Puerto Ricans affected by Hurricane Fiona

Detroit Tigers star and Puerto Rico native Javier Baez is offering support during Hurricane Fiona with free hot meals to anyone affected in Puerto Rico.

Detroit Tigers star and Puerto Rico native Javier Baez is offering free hot meals to anyone in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Fiona. The hurricane, which is now considered a Category Four, is causing massive damage to the island, including power outages and infrastructure damage.

Baez posted a statement online on Monday, translated with credit to TMZ:

"“All those families who are in need of a hot meal can stop by @taquizapr in Toa Baja, and we will serve it to you for FREE!! If your community is affected and you’re in need of hot meal, you can call 787-665-2323 (Joshua) or stop by @taquizapr and we will make all the arrangements. Blessings to all of you!”"

He also added, “I know we’re going through something very difficult. I’m with you.”

This isn’t the first time Baez has gone out of his way to help his local community. He’s provided free meals in the past and has also helped Puerto Rico in times of need in numerous ways.

Tigers star Javier Baez has a history of helping Puerto Rico in times of need

There are several notable times when Baez has helped his local community in Puerto Rico. Back in 2018, Puerto Rico was horribly impacted by Hurricane Maria. Baez made a trip back home to spend time offering aid and visiting local hospitals. He also created a program called Los Magos that allowed Puerto Rican players to help the cause and raise money.

In 2019, he helped make baseball accessible again to young children in Puerto Rico by assisting in efforts to rebuild fields destroyed by hurricanes. Just one year later in 2020, when the entire world was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Baez found a way to help Puerto Rico once again.

Because schools were shut down, children weren’t able to access free meals provided at school, and some students had to go without comparable meals. Baez made the same offer of free hot meals, and he also provided hand sanitizers and face masks.

Javier Baez has demonstrated time and time again that he is always thinking about how he can give back to his Puerto Rican community in times of need, all while making Tigers fans more aware of the challenges Puerto Ricans have faced during natural disasters and the pandemic.