Detroit Tigers: Miguel Cabrera has two more years with organization

The Detroit Tigers 2021 season has come to a close and is officially over. Future Hall-of-Famer Miguel Cabrera had quite the season. He made history by blasting his 500th home run and making MLB history.

Not to mention, the season started when Cabrera got things going with a home run in the snow that led to some of the coolest shots from the first week of games. From there, the Detroit Tigers veteran went on his quest for 500 and ultimately accomplished it in August while the team was on a road trip in Toronto.

Cue Bob Heyrman’s anecdote about witnessing the feat in person. For those who have not given it a read, check it out. 

Beyond that, Cabrera was and is still moving towards reaching his 3,000th hit. He finished the season at 2,987 and will likely accomplish this feat early on in 2022. Given that 2021 has just finished up, it’s early to look ahead, but with Cabrera’s contract, it’s hard not to look.

Detroit Tigers veteran Miguel Cabrera has two years left on his contract.

Back in 2016, many Tigers fans will remember that Cabrera was locked up by the organization. He signed an eight-year, $248 million contract to stay in the Motor City. This contract carried an average annual salary of $30 million for Cabrera.

Now that the 2021 season is over, it leaves just two seasons left for Cabrera on his contract. While there are two more years of mutual options, the Tigers would be incredibly unwise to shell out $30+ million on a 40-year old Cabrera.

Frankly, it is going to be a stretch to see Cabrera finish out these last two seasons. While he is one of the greatest hitters in the game of all time and means a ton to this organization, these last two seasons are not going to be his best, that’s clear.

At 38 years old, 2021 saw Cabrera log 130 games where he slashed .256/.316/.386 with 15 home runs and 75 RBI. Frankly, it was good to see Cabrera driving the ball well and finding ways to scratch runs across for this team which looked a lot more competitive than in recent years.

But, looking at things, 2021 is now the past, and 2022 is next up, which means there are just two more seasons where Cabrera will be on his $30+ million contract with the Tigers.

Tigers fans should try to enjoy next season as much as possible when it comes to Cabrera and celebrate his accomplishments as he chases his 3,000th hit.