Fansided

10 MLB comeback candidates to watch in 2018

By Joshua Sadlock

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 18: Noah Syndergaard
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 18: Noah Syndergaard /
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LAKELAND, FL – MARCH 07: Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers bats during the Spring Training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 7, 2018 in Lakeland, Florida. The Blue Jays defeated the Tigers 6-5. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
LAKELAND, FL – MARCH 07: Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers bats during the Spring Training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 7, 2018 in Lakeland, Florida. The Blue Jays defeated the Tigers 6-5. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

8. player. 63. . 3B/1B. Detroit Tigers. Miguel Cabrera

A few seasons ago, it wasn’t completely out of the question to think that Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera might become the first player in MLB history to finish his career with over 4,000 hits and 600 home runs. The 34-year-old would have had to continue hitting at a high level into his forties, but if anyone could do it, Cabrera seemed like the guy. After all, entering the 2017 season, he was in the middle of a 12-year run with a .326/.405/.571 line and four batting titles.

The 4,000-600 club looks like a pipe dream now after Cabrera suffered through an injury-plagued 2017 and the worst season of his career. He hit just .249/.329/.399 with 16 homers and 60 RBI in 130 games.

Cabrera needs to have a good season for a few reasons. First and foremost, he is still young enough to put together a few more All-Star campaigns. He will certainly continue aging, but he should reach 3,000 hits and 500 home runs within the next two years. Cabrera can set himself up to chase 3,500 hits and 600 home runs, where he would form a club with Hank Aaron.

On a more business-focused side, the Tigers need Cabrera to bounce back so that trading him becomes a least somewhat possible. He is owed $184 million for the next six years, and Detroit will have to offset a significant portion of the remaining money to even start negotiations. No one is touching Cabrera coming off his ugly 2017 season, but with a better 2018, interest could pick up.

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