DETROIT – After some difficult seasons for Miguel Cabrera, the Detroit Tigers slugger has a chance to remind fans how much he has accomplished in his career.
Specifically, Cabrera has the opportunity to reach two major milestones in 2021. He has 13 home runs for less than 500 and 134 hits for 3,000. And yes, he is aware of those numbers.
“I hope so. We can do both, ” Cabrera said on Friday with a laugh.” I hope to reach 500, 3,000 this year. It is one of my goals this year. Mentally, I feel good. I feel mentally strong. I’m trying to go day after day and trying to play hard. ”
It has been a while since Cabrera looked like the player who was the MVP of the American League in 2012 and 2013. The last time he impressed a lot with the club was in 2016, when he hit 0.316 with 38 home runs. From 2017 to 2019, he played only 304 games, as a variety of injuries limited his availability.
In the meantime, the Tigers went through a major reconstruction, changing many of their best 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 reached 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 reach both this year. He managed to play 57 of his team’s 58 games in the short 2020 season and hit 10 home games. In 2019, he had 139 hits in 136 games.
“I want to be healthy and do my best and do everything in my power to help the team win the games,” said Cabrera on Friday.
Cabrera did not play on the pitch last year, but new coach AJ Hinch said he is open to him playing some on first base.
“He wants to play first. I didn’t know that he expressed it as much as I learned after I said that,” said Hinch. “My plan for him is to give him an opportunity to be a bit more of a complete player, and not just fall into the DH category. ”
Cabrera said he talked to Nelson Cruz about some of his work habits – Cruz, 40, is still one of the sport’s best home run hitters.
“I love to play baseball,” said Cabrera. “I love to have fun on the field. I love going there every night. ”