Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit Tigers agreed Friday to a one-year contract worth $11.3 million, avoiding salary arbitration before the All-Star third baseman’s first season with the team. Cabrera, 24, can become a free agent after the 2009 season, but the Tigers hope to keep him long term.
In 157 games with the Marlins in 2007, Cabrera hit .320 with 91 runs scored, 38 doubles, two triples, 34 home runs and 119 RBI. Cabrera compiled a .313 batting average in five seasons with the club.
Detroit also agreed to a $780,000, one-year contract with pitcher Bobby Seay. The 29-year-old left-hander was 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA in 58 games with the Tigers last season. In 134 major league appearances, he has posted a 4-1 record and 3.97 ERA. He can make an additional $75,000 in performance bonuses: $20,000 for 55 games, $25,000 for 60 games and $30,000 for 63 games.