Tigers, Cabrera reach $153 million deal

Mar 23, 2008 - 4:07 AM BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) -- The Detroit Tigers reached a preliminary agreement with third baseman Miguel Cabrera on an eight-year, $153 million contract extension on Saturday, according to a report by ESPNdeportes.com.

Cabrera will undergo a physical on Monday to complete the deal, a source told the web site.

"Miguel just signed a big contract," the source told ESPNdeportes.com. "The contract will be completed when Miguel takes a physical on Monday."

The 24-year-old All-Star, who would have been eligible for free agency after the 2009 season, was acquired along with lefthander Dontrelle Willis from the Florida Marlins in exchange for Cameron Maybin, southpaw Andrew Miller and four others during the winter meetings in December.

The $153 million deal would rank as the fourth-richest in the sport, trailing only Alex Rodriguez ($275 million), Derek Jeter ($189 million) and Manny Ramirez ($160 million).

According to the report, Cabrera will make $11.3 million in 2008 before averaging $19 million per year through 2016.

Cabrera owns a .313 career batting average with 138 home runs and 523 RBI in five seasons.