Detroit Tigers: Miguel Cabrera’s hot start a good sign
After the putting together the worst season of his big-league career last year, Miguel Cabrera is once again looking like his old self for the Tigers.
Over the offseason, many began to wonder what the future might hold for Detroit Tigers superstar and two-time MVP Miguel Cabrera. Last season, he battled injuries and batted only .249/.329/.399 (92 OPS+) with 16 home runs and 60 RBI through 130 games.
While the Tigers entered a rebuilding phase, it appeared that Cabrera was essentially unmovable. Due to his contract (guaranteed $184 million through 2023 with options for 2024 and 2025), finding a taker would likely have been a difficult task for the Tigers. Moreover, considering that Cabrera will soon turn 35 years old, it was fair to wonder if he was capable of reverting back to MVP form.
During the spring, however, Cabrera swung a very hot bat in the Grapefruit League. Through 22 games, he hit .368/.397/.596 with three home runs. Cabrera is now off to a good start in the regular season as well.
Through his first four games this year, Cabrera is slashing .353/.450/.706 with a homer and five RBIs. His one home run came against the Pittsburgh Pirates starter Chad Kuhl in the second game of a double-header on Sunday night. It was one of his signature opposite field homers, something that he has done so many times throughout his career. For a comparison, Cabrera batted .000/.250/.000 over his first four games last season. He suffered a back injury while playing for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic and struggled out of the gate to begin the regular season.
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Cabrera has hit three doubles this season already as well. Four of his six hits have been for extra bases. According to Fangraphs, Cabrera’s hard-hit ball percentage currently sits at 50 percent.
Going forward
Cabrera’s large contract will likely still present an obstacle if the Tigers were ever to pursue finding a trade partner for him. However, the odds of getting a deal done would likely improve if he can continue hitting the way he has throughout the first four games of the 2018 season.
Right now, the future Hall of Famer is part of a surprisingly good middle part of the Tigers’ batting order. In addition to Cabrera, the Tigers also have Nicholas Castellanos, who is currently batting .412/.500/.706 after putting together a breakout, 100-RBI campaign last season. Victor Martinez had a big game in the Tigers’ 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday, going 2-for-3 with a double and three RBI.
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While it would still take a lot for the Tigers to compete this year, it is beginning to look like this is a lineup that should be capable of scoring quite a few runs. If he remains healthy, Cabrera should be a big part of it.