We already knew that Detroit Tigers legend Miguel Cabrera was going to retire this offseason, but this final piece of roster maneuvering by the team helps make it official.
Per Jason Beck of MLB.com:
Tigers officially declined the $30m contract option on Miguel Cabrera for 2024, a procedural move that clears the way for his retirement. The $8m buyout completes the contract extension signed in 2014.
That contract was an eight-year deal worth $240 million, but it was actually signed in 2016. The $8 million buyout is a nice parting gift for Cabrera and all that he's done for the organization.
One of the most accomplished right-handed hitters in baseball history, Cabrera is a lock for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Lifetime, he's a member of the 3,000-hit club and the 500-home run club. He finishes with 511 career homers and 1,881 RBI. He is a two-time MVP, a Triple Crown winner and a World Series champion (2003). He won that World Series as a member of the then Florida Marlins. He ended up playing 21 total years in the big leagues, 16 of which came in Detroit. He led the league in doubles twice, home runs twice and RBI twice.
He finished this season at a lackluster .257 with four home runs and 34 RBI. He owned a .675 OPS as injuries over the last few years sapped him of his power.
The Tigers will move on without Cabrera in 2024 and will continue to build around a young core that includes Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene.
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