DETROIT – After some tough seasons for Miguel Cabrera, the Detroit Tigers slugger has a chance to remind fans of what he has accomplished in his career.
Specifically, Cabrera has a chance to reach two important milestones in 2021. He has 13 timid home runs of 500 and 134 hits under 3,000. And yes, he is aware of these numbers.
“I hope so. We can do both,” Cabrera said Friday with a laugh. “I hope to be able to reach 500, 3,000 this year. That’s one of my goals this year. Mentally, I feel good. I feel strong mentally. I try to go day in and day out and try to play a lot.”
It’s been a while since Cabrera looked like the player who was MVP of the American League 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 played only 304 games, as an assortment of injuries limited his availability.
Meanwhile, the Tigers underwent a major rebuild, changing many of their best players. Cabrera, who turns 38 in April, continues to be part of the team, which says a lot about his declining production and his huge contract.
Only half a dozen players have reached the 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 of them this year. He managed to play 57 of his team’s 58 games during the 2020 short season and scored 10 homers. In 2019 he had 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 Friday.
Cabrera did not play on the field last year, but new coach AJ Hinch said he is open to playing some at first base.
“He wants to play first. I didn’t know he expressed it nearly as much as I learned after he even said it,” Hinch said. “My plan for him is to give him a chance to be a more complete player and not just fall into the DH category.”
Cabrera said he has spoken to Nelson Cruz about some of his work habits: Cruz, 40, is still one of the best home players.
“I love playing baseball,” Cabrera said. “I love having fun in the countryside. I love going out there every night.”