Miguel Cabrera will remain in Detroit following his retirement when the 2023 season comes to a close, as the Tigers announced today that Cabrera will take on a role in the front office as a special assistant to president of baseball operations Scott Harris. Cabrera had previously indicated that 2023 would be the final season of his career last year.
As noted by Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, Tigers chairman Chris Ilitch spoke glowingly of the future Hall of Famer in a statement. “My father (longtime Tigers owner Mike Ilitch) was incredibly fond of Miggy and made sure he was a Tiger for the remainder of his playing career. We’re thrilled to extend our relationship into the next chapter of his life,” Ilitch said, “While it may be the end of an era, it’s a new beginning as Miguel will continue to pass along his baseball wisdom, culture-shaping values, and mentorship to the next generation of Tigers players, who can aspire to the level of greatness that Miguel has achieved.”
In conversation with reporters (including Chris McCosky of The Detroit News), Cabrera made his new role in the organization sound like a perfect fit. “I want to stay with this team and help doing something. I don’t want to coach, but I want to be around,” Cabrera said, “[The club’s young players] are growing right now. They’re maturing and next year, these guys are going to be better. Bring in like two more hitters, someone to help Tork and Greene and Carp.”
The move into Detroit’s front office comes at the end of a long an illustrious career in the majors for the 40-year-old. Cabrera was a star practically from the minute he debuted with the then-Florida Marlins in 2003, earning All Star nods in four of his five seasons with the club. After being traded to the Tigers in 2008, Cabrera found another gear even by his own lofty standards. He paced the AL in batting average and on-base percentage four times each between 2010 and 2015, a run of six seasons that saw him slash an unbelievable .333/.418/.586 en route to two MVP awards, a Triple Crown, six All Star appearances, and four silver sluggers.
With three games remaining in his sensational career, Cabrera currently sports a career slash line of .306/.382/.519 with 3,170 hits, 624 doubles, and 511 home runs. He’ll end his career with twelve All Star appearances, two MVP awards, a World Series championship, four batting titles, and a World Series ring from the Marlins’ championship run during his rookie season. As things stand, he’s 17th on the all-time hits leaderboard, tied for 25th on the all-time home runs leaderboard with Mel Ott, and tied with Hank Aaron on the all-time doubles leaderboard for his career.
Class move by the organization.
Jacksson – I haven’t seen anyone mention this here, but talk about a lack of class … did you hear what the Athletics did to commemorate Miggy’s retirement? They gave him one thing, a $90 bottle of wine.
So not only are the Athletics cheap, they are also classless in giving wine to a player with a well-known history of alcohol abuse. Same with the Marlins for giving him a bottle of rum.
As an A’s fan, I’ll be surprised if the bottle hasn’t already been consumed.
You sure it was as much as $90?
The whole Marlin’s org and reporters are trash… remember when Porcello had a higher ERA a Higher WHIP and pitched 45 innings less than Verlander yet those clowns didn’t even vote for Verlander in the top 10 for Cy Young.
RE: htwwfb
The trashiest thing here is your comment. Waste of time if I ever read anything you ever write again
Muted
@filihok
I have to doubt you are a remarkably intelligent individual. However who – other than you – decided to be judge, jury & executioner.
Congratulations, you’ve joined my muted list, alongside A’s fan in UK (an @rse) Blue Baron (boring and as above) and you, all of the above…
Please speak with each other….
So basically, here’s 100k. Shake some hands at a season ticket holder event and we’ll call you later in the season to stroke up the sponsors.
Hell of a good deal if only 100k!
Banquet circuit a given
M-Cab doesn’t need the money for sure. Whatever arrangement they have must fill needs for both of them. Kinda nice to see a relationship go this way instead of going out with a DFA.
The Tigers have long enjoyed good relationships with their former players. Al Kaline, George Kell, Kirk Gibson, and Jim Price are/were long-time TV and radio broadcasters for the team. Alan Trammell still helps out in the minors. Dan Petry is a goodwill ambassador for the team and occasionally a color man on TV as are Craig Monroe, Cameron Maybin, and Andy Dirks (radio).
I’m glad Miggy is continuing his association with the team in some capacity.
Didn’t know Maybin was doing TV. He only played 132 games for the Tigers, spread out across 3 unconnected seasons (2007, 2016, 2020). Not really what I’d consider an organization guy.
He’s the ultimate organization guy! The Tigers have acquired and traded Maybin three times. Somehow he always finds his way back!
Maybin also works for the MLB network.
Don’t forget Willie Horton
I wonder how Tiger fans feel, given that Cabrera didn’t produce for the last seven years of his contract, and the team’s poor performance. Not to mention, his off the field issues that came to light several years ago.
As bad as Miggy was his last 7 years, he was still better than many hitters on that team. If Miggy wasn’t there, they would have played guys like Niko Goodrum and Jonathon Schoop more.
M17
They would have also had some extra money to bring in some better players
The Tigers have money, they just don’t want to spend it. Besides, they have been bad at signing free agents over the last 10 years.
What a BS comment. He is adored by the league and Tigers fans. And those off field issues occurred a long time ago. The guy is a firs ballot HOF’er. Take your negativity and blow it out your rear.
Also by a Yankees fan even though I witnessed him at YS closing out the World Series for the Marlins. Players are humans and make mistakes. Miggy owned up to it right away and it hasn’t been an issue ever since.
Miggy was still relatively young for his production to just essentially drop off the table like that. Possible roids. But how carefully do they check anymore?
He tore a bicep one year and then developed a “chronic” knee injury that greatly and permanently reduced his ability to drive off his right knee.
You are an a hole for even suggesting that. There has NEVER been even a hint of that and for you to suggest that is reckless and irresponsible. FU.
Assdribble: Yeah, because *all* cheating is *always* detected.
And you are 100% certain that, absolutely and without a doubt, MLB and the player’s union really and truly cares about players using steroids, and is really and truly very serious about legitimately testing them and truthfully reporting the results.
Because multi-billion-dollar corporations never lie or look out for their own self-interest or spew propaganda or engage in cover-ups. No, never.
Fair question, Milt!
Cabrera’s average oWAR over seven consecutive seasons was 7. Then, suddenly, the next season it plummets to zero, then remains at or below zero for an additional six consecutive years.
PED’s is the most plausible explanation.
No the well documented injuries that have plagued him for the last seven years, mainly his knees and bicep are the most plausible explanation. Cabrera has never been linked to PEDs. Not really a fair question, a baseless accusation that misunderstands how PEDs work.
Thank you. I was going state the same thing until I got your post.
Jazz jazz – You can hunt and speculate all you want but it is not ethical to suggest PED’s when there’s no evidence to suggest use. Nor is it fair to a players legacy to suggest this.
You speculative and suspicious finger pointers are tiresome.
JJ
No,
“PED’s” is 100% speculation.
Cabrera’s injury history is well documented. When healthy he had well over 600 PAs each season. 2016 was his last fully healthy season. He had 679 PAs, 38 HRs, .956 OPS, 155 OPS+. He never had a healthy season after that due to the bicep, knee, and back issues. He did play over 500 PAs in 2017, 2019, and 2021 and posted an OPS+ of 93, 97, 95, slightly below league average which is pretty solid for a guy in mid-late 30’s with 1 good knee. His performance didn’t “fall off a cliff” suddenly for no reason. He playing hurt during his earlier years caught up with him. If VMart had stayed healthy, Tigers don’t sign Prince, Miggy stays at 1B and likely plays healthier for longer. That didn’t happen but he learned to accept his limitations and still contribute.
Asshatdribble: I said it’s a fair question to ask, and I said it’s a plausible explanation. That’s all. D***head. Consider getting over yourself.
Asshatdribble: I said it’s a fair question to ask, and I said it’s a plausible explanation. That’s all. D***head. Consider getting over yourself.
@snoo….Clown comment, bro.
BlessYouBoys: Clown gullibility by you, bro.
This comment doesn’t even make sense. To what are you referring to as having credulity? Try getting outside to some sun and fresh air, staying in mommy’s basement all day isn’t good for the soul.
You can just say that you don’t like Miguel Cabrera. You don’t have to make up garbage or say that he cheated.
Get over yourself.
He produced more then most guys the organization brought in that we’re younger.
He’s a future HOF and your just mad cause he made alot more then you’ll ever count to.
Miggy is the best player most of us will ever get to see and glad he wore a Tigers uniform.
tiger fan: All points irrelevant.
As a Tiger fan, this is a typical move from the current owner who has done so little right since taking over the team. I can only assume they need him to recruit Venezuelan talent.
Few remember, including this owner, that Miguel’s heavy contract and poor play aided in the Tigers being a doormat past years or that his alcohol related incidents occurred during spring training, during the final week of a post season drive or that it was alcohol that wrecked at least 3 of his final 7 seasons.
Regardless if you are a baseball fan, these are not front office qualifications to aid in any way but hinder the organization.
He still had vesting options for 24 and 25. Probably would have lawsuit coming if they didn’t give him an honorary job title to shake some hands and take selfish with the mascot so that he can earn that salary.
These options only vest if Cabrera gets some MVP votes. It’s safe to say his contract does expire on Monday.
Gruß,
BSHH
Maybe he’ll get some “spite” votes. Be kinda funny.
Maybe he gives 5 voters a mil each… he would need about 40 points to make the top 10. 5 2nd place votes gives him 45. It would cost him 5 mil to make 30 mil.
Lmao Melchy
Those voters would be permanently black balled and have a lawsuit coming their way from Detroit. That’s a nice fantasy though.
@Reynoldo he decided to retire. Why would he sue? You’re full of it.
He missed the part where his option only vests if he finishes in the top 10 in MVP voting. Another low effort troll post.
I am glad to see this happening….I feared he’d be hired on by the Marlins in the same type of role but happy that Mr. I jumped on the opportunity to keep him in the organization out of gratitude and plus, knowing that Miggy is one of the smartest players ever to put on the uniform and is popular in the clubhouse, it was the thing to do. I hope he can be of value to the kids in the minors and in spring training as well. I think in a very short period of time he’ll be back in the dugout as maybe a hitting coach or an assistant.
I love watching Miggy play even though he hasn’t been good in recent years. He’s accomplished it all in baseball and still brings everyday an infectious joy of the game. The kids can learn from that unwavering attitude alone.
@YankeesBleacherCreature
His enthusiasm is palpable. In the comments he makes, he is clearly looking forward to the next generation.
As an A’s fan he was terrifying in those 2010-2015 seasons. They had a very decent 1-9 without him (Torii Hunter, Princer Fielder, Johnny Peralta etc) but Miggy was different class to pretty much every other hitter in baseball at the time.
How that era didn’t win a WS with Scherz, Verlander as well is beyond me.
And Detroit fans – next time there is a veteran HOF committee, how about some love for Mickey Lolich!!!
Lou Whitaker before Mickey Lolich. Make it happen yesterday!
Nice to see a future HOFer sticking around in this type of capacity.
This is a fitting end to his career and the start of a new chapter. No once can replace Al Kaline as Mr. Tiger, but making sure your future HOF’er stays with the team in some capacity is an absolute must. And I am glad this is being announced before the conclusion of the season.
It’s over but doesn’t feel like it’s completely over come Monday. Love this move for the franchise and especially this young squad going into next season. Good things on the horizon in Motown
Definitely a WIN~WIN for both parties and all Tiger fans. Miggy has been an ambassador for the franchise for many years. Tram, Lance Parrish, Willie Horton, Gibby, and Jim Leyland all serve in similar capacities with Detroit. Fans absolutely love Miggy in Detroit. He has embraced his role as player-mentor and the players love and respect him. With so many young hitters stocked in the minors this gives the Tigers great momentum going into the winter.
OUT&&&&&&&STANDING. YES …….GREAT ONE !!
Here is some more $ so you continue to publicly say how great the organization is Miggy.
Will he still receive the $8 million buyout on his 2024 contract even though he retired ?
Yes. He will get the $8 million.
That. Is. Freaking. Awesome. !!!
Thank God the Tigers gave him the job. Since he only made 400 million in his career, he had been looking around for an opportunity.
They want him to instruct rookies on the best places to eat in Detroit and on the road. It’s a long season, you need to keep your weight up!
Hang out in the Venezuelan club and spring training, throw out a first pitch, couple fancy dinners, smell the roses
Just make sure he’s not food and beverage manager for the clubhouse spread.
Gotta make sure there’s enough for the players.
Classy move. That’s the right thing to do for Miggy for all that he’s provided for Detroit.
Great ambassador for the Tigers and all of baseball. Should be a terrific recruiter for young Latin talent. Just need to hope he doesn’t get too much influence (aka Bagwell @ Astros) and starts to have a detrimental influence.
He will be a great Ambassador since he is so intelligent…..
Careful there. Miggy Fans are not tolerant of sarcasm or the pointing out of any inconvenient truths.
Great move by the Tigers ! One of my favorites along with Kaline and Tram ! I attended his 3rd to last game, he went 3for4, with 2doubles and HBP. Not too shabby !
Assistant to the Regional Manager?
I’m interested to see how his personality will fit in a front office role. I know this is probably just a role where it’s just his presence that is expected. But, he’s got a bit of a unique personality. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing or a good thing. I’m just interested in seeing how it works out and what we’ll say about post-career Miggy in the future.
One of the most blasé retirement ceremonies I’ve seen.
The Free Press, said they did him up right. Everyone has an opinion…..
Yes true about opinions , no offence , liked the Tigers franchise since I was a kid 50-55 years ago and love to see them do well.
It was a nice ceremony. Low key as it was.
I was 7, in 1968.
Then there was today…..not a dry eye in the house or at the homes of Tiger fans everywhere. Class personified by the organization, he got his due. Good luck to Miggy in his new position with the Tigers. He joins greats like Tram, Gibby, Leyland and Horton as special assistants to the President.
Good. Maybe he has the common sense to advise the front office to stop their ageism and hire the Superfife!
Can you believe he walked in his last AB (almost got hit by pitch)…..?
They should have fed him a cookie…..(like Freehan did Mantle).
A walk is good, though.
Miggie tell the Hedgehog to send us to Japan and Korea…..
Together, we’ll cast a big net!