Detroit Tigers: Miguel Cabrera sees the finish line

At some point, even the legends walk away. While some are forced out, refusing to realize that they no longer have the skills to play at the major league level, most pick their time of departure. That will be the case with Detroit Tigers‘ first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

He had previously said that he would retire once his contract with the Tigers is over, although there had been some question as to whether or not that would be the case. There are no such questions now, as Cabrera said that he will be done after the 2023 season, indicating that his issues with his right knee are driving that decision.

Miguel Cabrera ready to call it a career after 2023

When that time comes, Cabrera is seemingly a lock for Cooperstown. He had recently belted his 500th career homer and is slowly moving towards the 3000 hit plateau. Barring a serious injury that would ruin his last two seasons, he will surpass that mark with ease.

Although he is not close to being the player he was in his prime, Cabrera has still been relatively solid with the bat this season. He has shaken off a slow start to the year to post a respectable .251/.316/.391 batting line in his 411 plate appearances, hitting 14 homers and 11 doubles.

Even if he is not that same player, Cabrera may well have attracted interest once his current contract was over. If he was able to still produce at a league average rate, his remaining pop could have landed him a role as a designated hitter.

But time waits for no man. That is the case with Cabrera, as his troublesome knee is essentially making this decision for him. If he had not been locked into a contract through 2023, one has to wonder if he would have walked away once he reached the 3000 hit plateau instead of waiting two more years.

Miguel Cabrera has decided that he will walk away after the 2023 season. The Detroit Tigers legend has the finish line in sight.