Miguel Cabrera .320/.398/.561, 2423 hits, 426 home runs, 1496 RBI, 508 doubles
The 2016 season is considered a down year for Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera. That just goes to show what type of production is expected from the Tigers star first baseman.
In a way, the fact that Cabrera is considered an almost certainty to make the Hall of Fame is a credit to his perseverance. He had quite a few problems with alcohol and domestic violence in his younger days, eventually being forced to enter rehab prior to the 2010 season. That treatment allowed Cabrera to once again unlock his potential, and put him back on track to Cooperstown.
One of two players with 300 doubles before his 28th birthday, Cabrera has put together a list of accomplishments that would likely lead to his enshrinement if he retired today. A nine time All Star, Cabrera has won two MVP awards and six Silver Sluggers. A two time home run leader and a four time batting champion, Cabrera won the Triple Crown in 2012, becoming the first player to do so since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967.
Only 33 years old, Cabrera is in the midst of yet another stellar season, although it is still considered somewhat disappointing given his lofty standards. Still, he ranks in the top ten in OPS, and his .300/.375/.534 batting line with 18 home runs entering yesterday’s slate of action is still impressive.
Should Miguel Cabrera remain healthy over the next few years, he could well go down as one of the greatest hitters in MLB history. Even if his career was to end right now, Cabrera would still have quite the strong case for the Hall of Fame.
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