Miguel Cabrera Embraces New Coaching Role with Tigers

Retired slugger looks forward to World Baseball Classic and helping young players

Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:36pm

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Miguel Cabrera, the former Detroit Tigers star, has transitioned into a coaching role with the team as a special advisor. Despite being more than two years into retirement, Cabrera remains a fixture at spring training, working with players and sharing his wealth of experience. He is particularly excited to serve as the hitting coach for Team Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where he will team up with another former Tiger, Victor Martinez. Cabrera is also eager to see the return of Justin Verlander to the Tigers and is optimistic about the team's young core of players.

Why it matters

Cabrera's continued involvement with the Tigers, both in an official capacity and as a mentor to young players, highlights the importance of maintaining connections between a franchise's past and present. His presence helps to cultivate a sense of organizational history and community, which can be invaluable for player development and team morale. Additionally, Cabrera's insights and coaching experience will be valuable for the Venezuelan national team as they prepare for the World Baseball Classic.

The details

Cabrera, who retired after the 2024 season, has taken on a role as a special advisor to the Tigers' president of baseball operations, Scott Harris. While his involvement is not hands-on, Cabrera's mere presence at spring training captivates the attention of players and coaches alike. He has been working closely with young Venezuelan players like Eduardo Valencia and José Briceño, imparting his wisdom and trying to recruit them to play for Team Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Cabrera is also excited to see the return of Justin Verlander to the Tigers, with whom he shared many successful seasons.

  • Cabrera retired from playing after the 2024 season.
  • Cabrera is now more than two years into retirement.
  • Cabrera will serve as the hitting coach for Team Venezuela in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

The players

Miguel Cabrera

A former Detroit Tigers star who is now a special advisor to the team's president of baseball operations. Cabrera is also set to serve as the hitting coach for Team Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Justin Verlander

A former Tigers pitcher who is returning to the team at age 43, much to Cabrera's excitement.

Victor Martinez

A former Tigers player who will serve as the assistant manager for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, working alongside Cabrera.

A.J. Hinch

The current manager of the Detroit Tigers, who has welcomed Cabrera's presence and mentorship of young players.

Scott Harris

The president of baseball operations for the Detroit Tigers, who has brought Cabrera on board in an advisory role.

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What they’re saying

“Miggy is full of energy.”

— A.J. Hinch, Detroit Tigers Manager

“It's unbelievable, you know what I mean? You have to appreciate his ethic because you see he's one of these guys who really works hard. Seeing him in Detroit again is awesome. Especially with the team we have, it's awesome.”

— Miguel Cabrera

“Fortunately for those guys, he's very approachable and would always take time to go down to the minors and connect with all of our players.”

— A.J. Hinch, Detroit Tigers Manager

What’s next

Cabrera will serve as the hitting coach for Team Venezuela in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he will team up with former Tigers teammate Victor Martinez, who will be the assistant manager.

The takeaway

Cabrera's continued involvement with the Tigers, both in an official capacity and as a mentor to young players, demonstrates the value of maintaining connections between a franchise's past and present. His presence helps to cultivate a sense of organizational history and community, which can be invaluable for player development and team morale.