Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera plans to retire after 2023 season

Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera will hang up the cleats once his current contract expires after the 2023 season. 

"My right knee is really bad," Cabrera told ESPN (via freep.com). "I need to take care of this in the offseason and prepare myself for next season. I say two more years. I think that's enough. I will be happy with 20 years in the big leagues if I can make it. Thank God for giving me this opportunity. Two more years and I'm done."

Cabrera will make $32 million in both 2022 and 2023, so it's no surprise he wants to finish out the remainder of his current deal before calling it quits. 

The 38-year-old recently became the 28th player in Major League Baseball history to hit 500 home runs and is just 42 hits away from 3,000. He was already headed for the Hall of Fame, but the milestones put him in elite company. Only Hank Aaron, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, Rafael Palmeiro, Willie Mays and Eddie Murray have recorded 500 homers and 3,000 hits. 

Cabrera, in his 19th MLB season, started his career with the Miami Marlins and won the World Series with the franchise in 2003. He has been with the Tigers since 2008 and has won five Silver Sluggers, four batting titles and earned seven All-Star selections with the club. He's also a two-time AL MVP, including his 2012 Triple Crown season.

The Venezuelan is hitting .251/.316/.396 this season with 14 home runs and 57 RBI. 

Detroit hasn't made the postseason since 2014 and is on pace to miss the playoffs again this year, allowing Cabrera more time to rest before the 2022 season.