Detroit Tigers: Long-term successors for expensive veterans

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DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 10: Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers hits a single in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates during a MLB game at Comerica Park on August 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

Miguel Cabrera’s long-term successor: Reynaldo Rivera

With Cabrera’s eventual successor at first base, the Detroit Tigers could go a number of different directions.

According to Spotrac, the future Hall of Famer’s contract runs through 2023 with options for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

He’s slated to make $30 million starting in 2018 and running through the 2021 campaign. The 2022 and 2023 seasons will see Cabrera earn $32 million.

Translation: he isn’t going anywhere.

With Victor Martinez’ contract expiring following the 2018 season (also per the folks at Spotrac), Detroit could shift Cabrera over to designated hitter and deploy a different full-time first baseman.

This could anyone from John Hicks or Jeimer Candelario to Nicholas Castellanos.

Looking long-term, Reynaldo Rivera may be a fit at first base.

The 20-year-old was taken in the first round of the 2017 draft and is still with short-season Connecticut.

Still, the left-handed hitter has massive power and could move to first base down the line after beginning his professional career in the outfield.

Victor Martinez’ long-term replacement: Miguel Cabrera

At this point, Cabrera—not a prospect— seems the most likely bet to step in for Martinez.

However, if the Tigers look elsewhere, outfield Christin Stewart could replace Martinez with Cabrera staying at first base.

Other options include Mike Gerber and Castellanos.

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