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Miggy changes course, plans to play next year: 'I'm not going to quit'

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Reports of Miguel Cabrera's retirement have apparently been greatly exaggerated.

One day after hinting that he may retire after this season due to lingering injuries, the Detroit Tigers icon definitively stated Friday that he plans to continue playing in 2023.

"I'm not going to retire," the 39-year-old told Chris McCosky and Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News. "Not until after next year when my contract is done. They didn't understand what I said. No way am I going to quit."

"You've got to correct that," he added. "I'm not going to quit. I am going to play out my contract."

Cabrera is set to earn $32 million in 2023, the final season of an eight-year, $248-million contract that began in 2016. The Tigers hold a pair of $30-million club options in 2024 and '25 that will automatically vest if he finishes top-10 in AL MVP voting next year; otherwise, they can be bought out for $8 million.

The 39-year-old is currently in the midst of the worst season of his career, sporting a .650 OPS with four homers, 13 extra-base hits, and 36 RBIs across 91 games. Ongoing knee problems have limited him to designated hitter duties.

On Thursday, Cabrera admitted he didn't "feel really good right now" and would have to "talk to everybody" about his future. He added that he doesn't "want to hurt the team" with his poor play. Cabrera and Tigers manager A.J. Hinch have reportedly discussed limiting his playing time down the stretch.

Cabrera is one of only three players in baseball history with 3,000 hits, 500 homers, and 600 doubles. He's won four batting titles, two American League MVPs, and a historic triple crown during his remarkable 20-year career.

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