Miguel Cabrera is back in Tigers camp — and mentoring a prospect who idolized him

Tigers legend Miguel Cabrera has remained close to the team since his retirement at the end of the 2023 season. He's a "special assistant" to Scott Harris, which is probably more of an honorary title rather than a position that holds any weight, but it means that he's been at every spring training since he hung up his cleats, mentoring the new young core.

Last year, he only hung around for a few days to give Colt Keith and Justyn-Henry Malloy some pointers at first base. This year, he seems a little more invested, and it might be because of one player.

Detroit's No. 4 prospect Josue Briceño is, like Cabrera, a native of Venezuela. The two initially met in 2023, but Cabrera carved out time during the Tigers' Sunday game against the Orioles specifically for Briceño, who grew up idolizing Cabrera.

"We talked about a lot of things, like, 'How are you doing? How is your family?' But the topic I've talked about most with him is hitting to learn how I can stay disciplined and stay one step ahead of the pitchers," Briceño said (via Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press).

Briceño, a catcher and first baseman who projects to spend more time at the latter as he develops, added that he's excited to get Miggy's advice on the other side of the ball, too, where he spent almost half of his career.

Miguel Cabrera made his customary visit to Tigers spring training and is mentoring No. 4 prospect Josue Briceño

The Tigers' infield is crowded and, unlike Kevin McGonigle, management and the front office are in no rush to fast track Briceño through the minors. He could force the issue deeper into the season, though, at which point Jake Rogers' role as backup catcher could be at risk, or Briceño could make a few starts behind Spencer Torkelson at first base.

Briceño's defensive behind home plate is nothing to write home about, even though he does have an above-average arm. If he ends up following Cabrera's career trajectory, he'll probably end up a mostly full-time DH by the time he's 30.

But A.J. Hinch's Tigers aren't going to promote a guy who doesn't have a little defensive versatility. Improving his defense at both catcher and first could be Briceño's key to the majors. To be fair, Cabrera was never known for his glove, but having a franchise legend in your corner and giving you pointers is never a bad thing.