Detroit Tigers: 10 Players Least Likely to be Traded

#5 Miguel Cabrera

Age: 33
Position: First Baseman
Controllable Through: 2025* (Per Spotrac, Cabrera has two mutual options on his contract for the 2024 and 2025 seasons).
2016 Stat of Note: 152 wRC+

Miguel Cabrera’s situation is similar to Justin Verlander in a number of ways.

Both players are franchise icons bound for the Hall of Fame. What’s more, the two veterans are on hefty contracts that eat up significant salaries. It also would be difficult to sell it to the fans if either standout was dealt.

Lastly, just like Verlander, Cabrera proved that he isn’t slowing down. The slugger finished among the league’s elite in slugging percentage (fifth), wRC+ (sixth), wOBA (seventh), RBI (ninth), batting average (ninth), on-base percentage (10^th), home runs (11^th) and ISO (19^th).

Why the Detroit Tigers Won’t Trade Cabrera

Even in the off chance that Verlander is dealt, the Detroit Tigers are set for the future in the rotation with Fulmer, Boyd and Norris.

It is a slightly different story in terms of the batting order.

J.D. Martinez is slated to hit free agency following 2017, while Justin Upton can opt out of his deal following the same season.

What’s more, Victor Martinez will be 38 by the time Opening Day rolls around. Second baseman Ian Kinsler, who is 34, isn’t getting younger either.

In other words, Detroit really only has Cabrera Nick Castellanos as sure things in the future where the lineup is concerned.