Oct 3, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) singles against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of game two of the 2014 ALDS playoff baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers
Cabrera is a perennial MVP candidate and that in itself makes him an intriguing player worth watching. But with the departure of a handful of key players for the Tigers in recent years, the team now rests solely on his back to guide Detroit into the postseason once again.
Cabrera was still a solid player last season, though he was hardly as phenomenal as he was in 2012 and 2013. The Tigers have him on contract for a long time at hefty price. They need him to perform at his very best for at least a little while before Detroit devolves into what Sports on Earth’s Will Leitch predicts will be much like the Phillies have been since their National League Championship team in 2009.
The loss of Scherzer is a severe blow that will need to compensated for by the Tigers’ output at the plate. That starts with Cabrera, who has averaged 36 home runs, 122 runs batted in, 42 doubles and a .333 batting average over the past four seasons.