The last two seasons have been full of milestones for Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera.
One of the best pure hitters we have seen since the turn of the millennium, Cabrera reached 500 home runs last year and 3,000 hits in 2022.
He also surpassed 600 doubles this season.
Just a handful of players have a .300 average with at least 500 home runs, 600 doubles, and 3,000 hits.
Cabrera is the only hitter in the history of the game with those numbers plus a Triple Crown, achieved in 2012.
He is the definition of a generational hitter.
Oh, and even though he is a below-average hitter at this point of his career (he is 39, after all, and time is undefeated so far), he is still helping the Tigers.
“Miguel Cabrera’s 601st career double ties him with Barry Bonds for 17th on MLB all-time list. It also ties this game at 3-3.” Jason Beck, who covers the Tigers for MLB.com, tweeted.
Miguel Cabrera's 601st career double ties him with Barry Bonds for 17th on MLB all-time list. It also ties this game at 3-3.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) May 12, 2022
He Could Surpass More All-Time Greats
Cabrera has the chance to keep adding to his totals this year, and keep going up in all-time rankings in specific stats.
For example, he just tied Bonds in doubles and will pass him with his next one.
After Bonds, he could theoretically leapfrog Cal Ripken (603), Paul Molitor (605), and Paul Waner (605).
Hank Aaron‘s 624 two-baggers are also within reach, but it would require a good season by Cabrera and a lot of playing time.
He could also keep padding his totals in other stat categories, with the idea of building the best possible Hall of Fame case.
However, in reality, there shouldn’t be any questions about his place in Cooperstown at this point: he clearly belongs.
A better question would be if he is going in on the first ballot.
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