Frederlin Castro
The Tigers’ payroll on Opening Day was recorded at $135 million, the highest since 2017. That figure was boosted by Miguel Cabrera, and the arrival of Eduardo Rodríguez and Javier Báez, who were supposed to earn $66 million this season. (Rodriguez’s absence of almost two months due to a personal matter, mathematics).
Those three will continue to eat up Detroit’s budget for the foreseeable future, unless owner Chris Ilitch opens his wallet, as his father Mike did repeatedly when the Tigers were on the verge of a championship.
How much will Miguel Cabrera earn in 2023?
Cabrera, who recently confirmed that he will return for the last guaranteed season of his contract, he will pocket $32 million next year. Over the next two seasons, he will be owed $8 million if the Tigers have to buy his options. (Meanwhile, Rodríguez and Báez will walk away with more than $35 million combined through the 2026 season.
So glad @Miguel Cabrera is coming back in 2023 to stunt the growth of a young team even further. ð The stats are ridiculous for $32M a year. The worst contract in sports. @tigers @MLB Over a quarter billion and not one ring for Detroit. He should be traded, eat the $$. pic.twitter.com/gY1NJKnJmm
— Chris Bouchard (@CHRISBOUCHARD88) August 19, 2022