ESPN is reporting that two-time defending American League MVP Miguel Cabrera will soon sign a contract extension that will be the richest contract in baseball history. The deal is reportedly for 10 years and $300 million. The two years remaining on Cabrera’s current contract will be wiped out meaning that the new deal looks him in with the Tigers for eight additional seasons. The deal will also reportedly include two vesting option years and is expected to be finalized and announced in the next week.
The 30-year-old Cabrera is an eight-time all-star in 11 career seasons with the Marlins and Tigers. He is the only MLB player to reach 100 RBIs in each of the last 10 seasons and has won three straight batting titles, the first Tiger to do so since Ty Cobb.
Cabrera’s current deal was scheduled to pay him $44 million over the next two seasons.
Cabrera hit .348/.442/.636 with 44 home runs, 137 RBIs, and 103 runs scored last season. In 2012 he won the American League triple crown, hitting .330/.393/.606 with 44 home runs, 139 RBIs and 109 runs scored. Cabrera was named American League MVP in both seasons.
Over his career Cabrera is a .321/.399/.568 hitter with 365 home runs and 1260 RBIs.
This season Cabrera will move back to his more comfortable first base position after the Tigers traded Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers. He played third base in his two MVP seasons. Overall the moves made should improve the Tigers infield defence, but it remains to be seen if Cabrera’s production will suffer any without the protection of Fielder in the batting order.
The deal is guaranteed through age 40 for Cabrera, and could take him to age 42 if all the options vest or are exercised. The deal takes over from Alex Rodriguez’s 10-year $275 million contract extenstion with the New York Yankees as the richest in baseball history.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @lastwordBkerr. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Baseball writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
“You like baseball? Get involved! Check out LWOS Partners Bases Loaded EU for fantastic podcasts, news and a growing message board community of baseball fans like you!”
Main Photo:
