More than three years have passed since former New York Yankees outfielder Melky Cabrera last appeared in the majors. However, he kept plugging away in the Dominican Winter League, hoping for another chance.
That quest finally came to an end last week. According to Antonio Puesan, Cabrera announced his retirement from baseball after a disappointing showing with Aguilas Cibaenas in the DOWL.
Former New York Yankees outfielder Melky Cabrera faces reality
Cabrera was a solid player over his 15 years in the majors, posting a .285/.334/.417 batting line with 144 homers and 383 doubles in his 7527 plate appearances. While he never quite developed into the player that the Yankees had anticipated, he was an All Star in 2012, winning the game’s MVP award, and put together a respectable career.
However, his accomplishments on the diamond were also ruined that season. Cabrera tested positive for testosterone, banned under the league’s PED policy. Rather than admit his usage and come clean, Cabrera and his advisers had attempted to create a fake website for a topical cream to make it appear as though he had taken the PED innocently.
That was not the only controversy surrounding Cabrera that season. With his PED suspension, he had 501 plate appearances, one shy of the number needed to qualify for the batting title. MLB could add one hitless plate appearance, putting his batting average at .346 on the season, a number that would have won the batting title. However, Cabrera agreed to opt out of contention, ending any possible controversy.
Cabrera came up in another PED controversy the following year as he was linked to the Biogenesis scandal. He escaped punishment at that time since there was no way of knowing if his involvement was for something different than his previous suspension. Although Cabrera was still a solid enough player in the majors, his reputation was tarnished.
While he did not fare overly well in his final season in Pittsburgh in 2019, it was expected that Cabrera would find another opportunity. He was just 35 years old and had a respectable track record. Teams needed help in their outfield, but Cabrera was unable to attract any interest.
He continued to hope for another chance, spending the past three offseasons in the Dominican Winter League. His solid performances in winter ball came to an end this season as he had posted a .188/.253/.213 batting line in his 91 plate appearances, hitting just two doubles in his time with Aguilas Cibaenas. After three years since his last major league appearance, and with his declining numbers in Winter ball, it was time.
Former New York Yankees outfielder Melky Cabrera has retired. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors wherever they may be.