Joshua Báez Hits Three Homers in MLB Debut

Joshua Báez became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit three home runs in his debut game on August 15, 2026.

Báez achieved the feat in his first three at-bats during the St. Louis Cardinals' 8-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. He hit the first pitch he saw for a home run, followed by two more long balls in subsequent at-bats. Cardinals manager Oli Marmol noted Báez's calmness during the game, stating it was rare for him to step back and enjoy a player's performance.

Báez, who was called up from Triple-A Memphis before the game, had 30 family members in attendance. He was leading all Triple-A hitters with 34 home runs this season. Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged Báez's performance, stating he beat them. Major League Baseball confirmed Báez is the first player in modern baseball history to hit three home runs in his debut, though the league cannot confirm if it happened before 1901 due to incomplete records.

Báez, a 2021 graduate of Dexter Southfield School, is the ninth player to make his major league debut for the Cardinals this season. The St. Louis Cardinals organization tweeted about Báez hitting two homers in his debut. The game took place on Saturday, August 15, 2026.