Yankees Could Check in on the Tigers’ Offseason Fire Sale

Miguel Cabrera

If this were a decade ago, Miggy would be in pinstripes as soon as the World Series was over. With Hal in charge, there is almost no chance the Yankees would take on Cabrera’s $240 million behemoth of a contract that could take him through his age 42 season if his 2024 and 2025 options vest.

At the same time, slotting the 33-year-old future Hall of Famer in at DH would make New York insta-contenders in 2017. He hit .316/.393/.563 (157 OPS+) with 38 home runs and 108 RBI in 158 games this year. Every time I think I spot a sign of decline, I’m quickly proven wrong. 2016 was a vintage season from Cabrera, showing that as long as he’s healthy he hasn’t lost a step.

The man is an all-time great hitter, and probably could be had at a discount because of his terrible contract. If there was ever a time for Steinbrenner to use his financial advantage, this is it.

Obviously this trade proposal is pure fan fiction given the organization’s recent approach. Brian Cashman seems to be more or less done with aging, expensive superstars, and I don’t really blame him after watching the club’s miserable offense this year.

Still, Cabrera is undeniably the player on the Tigers who would have the biggest impact for the Yankees if they acquired him. The Red Sox showed the efficacy of surrounding one of the game’s great sluggers with a bunch of young talent.