DETROIT – After a few difficult seasons for Miguel Cabrera, the Detroit Tigers slugger has the opportunity to remind fans of how much he has accomplished in his career.
Specifically, Cabrera has the chance to hit two major milestones in 2021. He is 13 home runs shy of 500 and 134 hits less than 3,000. And yes, he knows those numbers.
“I hope so. We can do both,” Cabrera said with a laugh on Friday. “I hope I can get to 500, 3,000 this year. It’s one of my goals this year. Mentally I feel good. I feel mentally strong. I try to go every day and try to play hard.”
It’s been a while since Cabrera looked like the player who was the American League MVP in 2012 and 2013. The last time he was really impressive with the bat was in 2016, when he hit .316 with 38 home runs. From 2017 to 2019, he only played 304 games as an assortment of injuries limited his availability.
In the meantime, the Tigers went through a major renovation, exchanging many of their top players. Cabrera, who turns 38 in April, is still on the team, which says a lot about his declining production and huge contract.
Only half a dozen players have achieved both 500 homers and 3,000 hits: Hank Aaron, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, Willie Mays, Rafael Palmeiro and Eddie Murray.
Cabrera certainly has a chance to achieve both this year. He did manage to play in 57 of his team’s 58 games in the shortened 2020 season, hitting 10 homers. In 2019, he hit 139 hits in 136 games.
“I want to be healthy, and I want to do my best, and I want to do everything I can to help the team win games,” Cabrera said on Friday.
Cabrera didn’t play in the field last year, but new manager AJ Hinch said he was open to playing some at first base.
“He wants to play first. I didn’t know he said it as often as I learned after even saying it,” said Hinch. “My plan for him is to give him a chance to become a little bit more of a complete player, and not just fall into the DH category.”
Cabrera said he’s spoken to Nelson Cruz about some of his work habits – 40-year-old Cruz is still one of the best home runs in the game.
“I love to play baseball,” said Cabrera. “I love to have fun in the field. I love to go out every night.”