Miguel Cabrera wants to coach for Detroit Tigers when playing career ends

LOS ANGELES — After notching 3,000 hits, Miguel Cabrera discussed his post-playing career for the first time.

He wants to stay with the Detroit Tigers.

The goal, Cabrera said, is to win a World Series with the Tigers before his contract expires after the 2023 season. He reached the World Series in 2012, but the Tigers were swept by the San Francisco Giants.

"Winning in Detroit," Cabrera said Thursday, in a Spanish interview with Venezuelan reporters. "I think that is the one thing I lack, winning a title in Detroit. I hope I can achieve that in these two years that I have left."

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But what if the Tigers don't win the World Series by 2023?

Cabrera — a 2003 World Series champion with the Florida Marlins — has another plan to get his ring in Detroit.

"Or, if not, as an assistant, a coach, whatever," Cabrera said in Spanish, translated by MLive's Evan Woodbery. "I would like to spend more time with this team that has such a bright future.

"I know that my career is going to end at some point, but I'd like to be involved the with the team, a team that has given me a lot. I'd like to share with them if that is God's will."

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Tigers manager A.J. Hinch joked that Cabrera is already a member of the coaching staff, as his veteran presence and willingness to help younger players — such as former No. 1 overall pick Spencer Torkelson — is evident daily. He also shares his knowledge with veteran players, too.

"He's truly in the mentor mold of the type of player you'd want all players to be attracted to," Hinch said. "I would see him helping out. He's currently doing it while he's playing. I'm not sure what would cause him to not do it when he's not playing, whenever that is. He's welcome around our club anytime he wants, for as long as he wants."

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Cabrera has said he plans to retire after his contract expires. The 20-year MLB veteran, one of seven players with at least 3,000 hits and 500 home runs, is owed $32 million this season and next.

The 39-year-old is hitting .276 with two doubles, five RBIs, four walks and 18 strikeouts in 17 games this season. He won back-to-back American League MVP awards in 2012 and 2013, securing the 2012 Triple Crown.

"Miggy has a lot to offer," Hinch said.

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold. Read more on the Detroit Tigers and sign up for our Tigers newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Miguel Cabrera wants to coach for Detroit Tigers when playing career ends