Will 39-year-old Detroit Tigers DH Miguel Cabrera retire at the end of this season?
While doubts about Miguel Cabrera’s plan to retire continue to make headlines, the 39-year-old is staying optimistic for 2023.
At 39 years old, Miguel Cabrera’s career in MLB is unquestionably approaching an end, but the Detroit Tigers veteran continues to “fight” through his difficulties.
The first baseman intends to meet with his agent, Tigers general manager Al Avila to see what the plan will be for 2023 as he’s “not feeling well” at the moment. In addition to struggling at the plate, the future first-ballot Hall of Famer continues to deal with knee problems and is in the midst of the worst season of his career. (Cabrera was diagnosed with a chronic right knee injury in 2019.)
In 91 games, Cabrera has slashed .268/.317/.332 with just four homers.
Regardless of how he feels at his age, Cabrera’s $32 million contract with the Tigers lasts for another year. And for all of his difficulties in 2022, the Venezuelan superstar is optimistic that his 2023 season will be a better one.
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“Next year I’m going to be right there”
On Thursday, Cabrera talked to reporters about wanting to find out what his role will be moving forward, but did not mention retirement.
“Right now, I don’t know,” he said. “We’re focused on going day by day and seeing what happens. I’m not thinking about next year.”
On Friday, ‘Miggy’ clarified his statement reassuring that he is optimistic about the future at Comerica Park, “I’m not going to retire… next year is going to be way better,” he said. “Next year, I’m going to be right there.”
So while doubts about the star’s retirements plan continue to arise, the 39-year-old has made it clear he does not plan to retire just yet.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said he will be paying close attention to Cabrera’s days off to make sure he gets the rest he needs.
During his 15 years with the Tigers, Cabrera has been selected to eight All-Star games, including seven consecutive ones (2010-16), was named MVP in back-to-back seasons in 2012 and 2013, and has earned five Silver Slugger awards. He is also one of 33 players in MLB history to have reached 3,000 hits and one of 28 players to have hit 500 home runs.