Tigers sign Miguel Cabrera to $153.3 million contract

[Honus Wagner Rules]

It's the 4th largest contract in MLB history. And Cabrera hasn't even played one game for the Tigers yet!

Cabrera set to ink Tigers' biggest pact: $153.3 million

By Enrique Rojas
ESPNdeportes.com
Saturday, March 22, 2008

KISSIMMEE, Florida -- Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit Tigers reached a preliminary agreement Saturday on an eight-year, $153.3 million contract extension, a source close to Cabrera told ESPNdeportes.com on condition of anonymity.

The All-Star third baseman will undergo a physical on Monday to complete the deal, the source said.

The contract is the richest in the Tigers' history. Magglio Ordonez had the previous record when he signed with Detroit for $75 million and five years in 2004.

"Miguel just signed a big contract," said the source. "The contract will be completed when Miguel takes a physical on Monday."

Cabrera, 24, was eligible for arbitration in 2009 and could become a free agent after the season ended. He will earn $11.3 million in 2008, and then an average of $19 million per year through 2016.

[CROM]

I hope there is a weight clause in the contract. He may end up looking like Mo Vaughn in 2 years and stuck at DH. Im not too fond of the length of the contract but considering the money that Torii Hunter and Andruw Jones will be getting on a yearly basis this isnt bad.

[Steve Jeltz]

The Tigers had better hope he doesn't go into the tank now that he has this contract. Yes, he has put up tremendous numbers in his first 5 years and made 4 All Star teams. But, he doesn't seem too keen on keeping himself in shape and shows a little bit of laziness, IMO. As he gets older, he's going to have to better condition himself and, maybe mature as well, if he wants to continue his current level of play.

[CROM]

Im actually a bit surprised at the 19 million per... I was thinking maybe 2-3 mil more per year. I guess he gave up more annually in exchange for the length of the contract. I think its pretty safe to assume that his stats will stay in line or maybe even improve if he stays healthy. Im sure with Miguels recent weight battles that there is a clause in the contract. Think of the upside though. In 4 years he will be in his prime and the tigers will be potentially getting a bargain. In 4 years 20+ million annually will be the norm for star players and they could still have a monster caliber player signed for several more years of his prime at a bargain price.

[OleMissCub]

I really think that the old "change of scenery" cliche will ring true with Miggy. I imagine that a good deal of his weight gain was due to lack of motivation. Hell, I've played in front of bigger crowds than some of the crowds at the Marlins games last year. Remember this:



Now he goes to an instant contender and is already looking alot better having shed a ton of weight:

2007:


This year:

[stejay]

I really think that the old "change of scenery" cliche will ring true with Miggy. I imagine that a good deal of his weight gain was due to lack of motivation. Hell, I've played in front of bigger crowds than some of the crowds at the Marlins games last year. Remember this:



Now he goes to an instant contender and is already looking alot better having shed a ton of weight:

2007:


This year:

That is true, I have noticed that he has lost a noticible amount of weight since 2007. I think he will be good this season for the Tigers, I really do.

[Mattingly]

It's the 4th largest contract in MLB history. And Cabrera hasn't even played one game for the Tigers yet!

That can't be the 4th largest. I think it's the 5th largest:

$275m/10 years -- Alex Rodriguez, NYY (2008-17)
$252m/10 years -- Alex Rodriguez, TEX (2001-10
$189m/10 years -- Derek Jeter, NYY (2001-10)
$160m/8 years -- Manny Ramirez, BOS (2001-08)
$153m/8 years -- Miguel Cabrera, DET (2009-16)

I guess it's based upon what you consider a contract. Alex Rodriguez signed two 10-year contracts (obviously unprecedented amongst humongous deals, since both set records in team sports), but they were contracts.

Miggy can certainly mash, I'll say that much. If he doesn't keep his weight down, and I'm sure he's got many reasons to do so, he could be playing 1B.

[Old Sweater]

Next round of drinks better be on Cabrera for the other Tigers players.

[125osprey]

Was that picture of the empty stadium really taken during an actual game? I am speechless.

[OleMissCub]

Was that picture of the empty stadium really taken during an actual game? I am speechless.

Yes. September 12th of last year. Marlins v. Nats.

[CROM]

according to mlbtraderumors.com it is being finalized at 7 years and $140MM.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

according to mlbtraderumors.com it is being finalized at 7 years and $140MM.

This is a good contract for the Tigers. They get Cabrera's prime seasons through his age 31 season. Cabrera's upside is scary.

[KCGHOST]

Man, that's real money.

[GiambiJuice]

My penny is Cabrera's hundred dollar bill.

[sturg1dj]

maybe this will put Inge's contract into perspective for him...since he thinks his contract means he should be starting somewhere.

if you hit .230 with less than 20 HR's you shouldn't have any say on where you play.