With the Detroit Tigers wrapping up their 2023 season, the baseball world will bid a final farewell to Miguel Cabrera.
Cabrera has been one of the greatest players of this generation. No one will dispute that.
Having made his MLB debut in 2003 with the Miami (Florida) Marlins, he’s currently the longest-tenured active player in all of Major League Baseball.
That tenure of course will be ending today.
Guess who will now become the longest-tenured player in all of baseball? – You guessed it! (I’m sure) – It’s none other than Zach Greinke!
20 years of Miggy ⚾️🤝@MiguelCabrera | @tigers pic.twitter.com/F0Mv3l2NID
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 27, 2023
The 39-year-old Greinke will ascend to the top of the list if he decides to continue his career after hitting free agency in 2023. (However, there is speculation that Greinke may also choose to retire, given his age and the uncertainty surrounding his future in the sport.)
Following Greinke is Rich Hill, who has expressed his intention to continue pitching in 2024. At 44 years old, Hill faces the challenge of finding a team willing to sign him for another season, much like Greinke.
Justin Verlander, who made his MLB debut with the Tigers in July of 2005, is the next name on the list. Unlike the previously mentioned players, Verlander is under contract with the Houston Astros and will be returning for another year, at the very least.
Cabrera’s decision to retire marks the end of an era, as he acknowledges that he can no longer keep up with the younger players in the league. For Tigers fans, it’s a bittersweet moment as they celebrate a colorful, successful, and brilliant career that includes a World Series triumph in 2003 and numerous individual accolades.
Career homer No. 511 for Miguel Cabrera ties Mel Ott for 25th on the all-time list. 💪 pic.twitter.com/lKB5nFqnF7
— MLB (@MLB) September 27, 2023
Where do you rank Cabrera among the best players of this generation?