College Baker enrolled at
Clemson University, where he played
college baseball for the
Clemson Tigers from 2000 to 2002. He played as third baseman as well as shortstop. Baker set the school record for career home runs with 59 home runs, a feat he accomplished in three years.
Colorado Rockies Baker was drafted by the Rockies in 2004 after playing college baseball at
Clemson University. He was a three-time
Baseball America All-American and a finalist for the
Golden Spikes Award in 2002 (the award was won by Clemson teammate
Khalil Greene). Baker made his
Major League debut in 2005, as the
Opening Day third baseman for the
Colorado Rockies, playing a total of 12 games. He had been added to the Rockies lineup as a replacement for injured third baseman
Garrett Atkins and on the return of Atkins, Baker was assigned to the
Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the Rockies Triple-A affiliate. In 2006, Baker played a full season for the Sky Sox, hitting .305 with 20 home runs and 108
runs batted in (RBIs), playing primarily in right field. He was named to the Baseball America All-Minor League team. He was then called up to the Rockies in early September and was rewarded with significant playing time in right field. Baker has served as a super-utility type player for the Rockies during the 2007–08 seasons. He is able to play all corner positions, and has developed skill at
second base. During
Spring Training 2008, Baker contended for the starting second baseman spot, but was eventually beaten out by
Jayson Nix. After Nix failed to adapt to the major league level, Baker spent the remainder of the season platooning at second base with
Clint Barmes and
Omar Quintanilla.
Chicago Cubs On July 2, 2009, Baker was traded to the
Chicago Cubs for minor league pitcher
Al Alburquerque.
Detroit Tigers On August 5, 2012, Baker was traded to the
Detroit Tigers for two
players to be named later. He was designated for assignment on August 31. Baker appeared in 15 games for the Tigers after being acquired from the Cubs. The veteran played first base, second base, and both corner outfield positions while posting a line of .254/.293/.408 in 181 total plate appearances.
Atlanta Braves On August 31, 2012, Baker was traded to the
Atlanta Braves for a
player to be named later, minor league pitcher Greg Ross.
Texas Rangers In January 2013, Baker was signed by the Texas Rangers to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. He was named to the 2013 Opening Day roster in March. His first hit as a Ranger came on April 13 against the Mariners, and his first home run as a Ranger came on April 19, also against the Mariners. On June 14, he injured his thumb giving a
high-five to teammate
Craig Gentry, and missed about a month. Used more often against left-handed pitchers, he hit .314/.407/.667 with 10 HR and 18 RBI against them. In 74 games (44 starts, mostly at first base and left field), he hit .279/.360/.545 with 11 HR and 21 RBI. On October 9, Baker was designated for assignment to make room for
Matt West, and elected free agency on October 14.
Miami Marlins In February 2014, Baker agreed to a two-year, $3.7 million contract with the
Miami Marlins. He was placed on the disabled list on July 10, 2015, after having strained his left intercostal muscle. He was released on July 31, 2015. ==Personal life==