Sunday marked an important date in Detroit Tigers history.
In 2007, the Tigers missed out on the postseason a year after earning their first American League pennant since 1984.
And so, the team was looking for ways to regain its status as the top team in the American League.
On December 4, General Manager Dave Dombrowski swung a franchise-altering deal, acquiring future Hall-of-Famer Miguel Cabrera and left-hander Dontrelle Willis from the Miami Marlins, then known as the Florida Marlins.
In exchange, Detroit sent outfielder Cameron Maybin, catcher Mike Rabelo, and pitchers Andrew Miller, Burke Badenhop, Frankie De La Cruz, and Dallas Trahern back to the Marlins.
It’s been 15 years since this blockbuster deal 😅 pic.twitter.com/N1uQ7lb3H5
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 4, 2022
How Miggy Transformed The Tigers
While the 2008 season ultimately ended in disappointment for the Tigers, the move ended up working out quite well.
By 2011, the Tigers were back in postseason contention, and began a streak of four consecutive AL Central titles.
In 2012, the Tigers won another pennant, and were largely aided by a historic season on behalf of Cabrera, who won the Triple Crown that year.
Over the course of 15 seasons with the Tigers, Cabrera, who will be retiring at the end of the 2023 season, has hit 369 home runs, hit for a .306 batting average, and driven in 1,324 runs.
This past season, Cabrera reached an all-important milestone, collecting hit No. 3,000.
The 39-year-old has accomplished many things during his 20-year career.
In addition to his Triple Crown, the future Hall-of-Famer has won two MVP Awards, seven Silver Slugger Awards, two MLB Player of the Year Awards, four batting titles, and has also earned 12 All-Star selections.
