Miguel Cabrera affirms that 2023 will be his last season in MLB

Venezuelan star slugger Miguel Cabrera He affirmed this Friday that the 2023 season will be his last in the Major Leagues.

“I thought I was never going to say never, but I think it’s time to say goodbye to baseball,” said the Detroit Tigers star when speaking to reporters on Monday before his “Dinner With Miguel Cabrera y Amigos” charity gala, at the miami city.

Cabrera revealed that this decision has been discussed with his family and that once his time as an active player ends, in what will be his 21st season in the Big Top, he would like to continue working in baseball from other positions, preferably with the Tigers. .

“My goal is to contribute and help, because I love baseball,” said the player born in Maracay 39 years ago.

Last season, the first baseman and designated hitter was plagued by lower back and knee injuries that limited his playing time, so his focus for what will be his final season in the majors is on in staying healthy.

“One of my goals is to play the entire season without injury. I feel that if I can stay healthy, we can improve on the field,” said the two-time winner of the Most Valuable Player award in the American League (2012 and 2013).

The Tigers (66-96) come from a year in which they finished in fourth place in the American League Central, 26 games behind the Cleveland Guardians and with everything he wants to be, Cabrera would be willing to play in a less stellar role if it can contribute to achieving better results.

“I don’t worry if I’m going to play every day or not, so if they give me the chance, I’m going to play. If not, I will support the team. You have to be a good partner,” said the best hitter in the history of Venezuelan participation in Major League Baseball.

Cabrera was also open to attending the World Baseball Classic with the Venezuelan team to be held in March next year.

“If they give me the opportunity, I’m going to play,” said ‘Miggy’, as the triple batting crown winner in the 2012 season is known.

In his major league career, Cabrera has a .308 batting average, with 507 home runs and 1,847 RBIs, plus 605 doubles and 1,530 runs scored.

He accumulates in his showcase four batting leads (344 in 2011; .330 in 2012; .348 in 2013 and .338 in 2015), two towed (126 in 2010 and 139 in 2013), two doubles (48 in 2011 and 52 in 2014) and one in home runs (44 in 2012).

Cabrera has also attended 12 All-Star Games, has won seven Silver Sluggers and won the 2003 World Series with the Miami Marlins, in a career with merits that put him on the path to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.