Miguel Cabrera: ‘I Love to Play in Detroit’
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Tony Firriolo/MLB Photos via Getty Images(DETROIT) — The Detroit Tigers and back-to-back A.L. MVP award winner Miguel Cabrera finalized the ten-year $292 million deal on Friday.
Cabrera was signed for the next two years and Detroit rewarded their first baseman with a deal that is the richest contract in American sports.
“When you’re talking about the best player in the game, sure, you feel a little uncertain,” Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said. “But … to get a deal done, you need to take that chance. I’ll take the chance on him.”
“Do I expect him to win a Triple Crown when he’s 40? No. But maybe. He’s pretty good.”
The Tigers acquired Cabrera from the Marlins on December 4, 2008 in an eight-player trade. In six seasons with Detroit, the 30-year-old has batted .327 with 227 home runs and 737 RBIs.
“This is the place I want to be,” said Cabrera.. “I love to play in Detroit. I want to play in Detroit for a long time.”
Cabrera will turn 31 on April 18, but isn’t worried about his age in the later part of his big contract.
“I didn’t because there were like two years left to free agency, and you don’t think about going to be a free agent,” he said. “I was spending a lot of time with my family in the offseason, thinking about how bad I want to stay in Detroit, thinking that if there’s any chance we can work out this deal, I told the front office and the Tigers to make it happen.”
“I was hoping to do it. I was never thinking about going to free agency and signing with another team. I was thinking I want to be here. I want to stay here. I want to be a Tiger. … I’m thankful because I want to finish my career here.”
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