Asdrúbal Cabrera, a Venezuelan infielder, began his Major League Baseball career with the Cleveland Indians. Signed as an amateur free agent in 2002, Cabrera worked his way through the minor leagues, making his MLB debut in 2007. Known for his defensive skills and switch-hitting ability, Cabrera quickly became a reliable presence in the Indians' lineup.
In 2008, Cabrera played a crucial role in the Indians' infield, primarily at second base. His defensive prowess was highlighted by his unassisted triple play against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 12, 2008, a rare feat in baseball history. Over the next few seasons, Cabrera transitioned to shortstop, where he continued to excel defensively while also improving his offensive numbers.
The 2011 season marked a breakout year for Cabrera. He hit 25 home runs and drove in 92 runs, earning his first All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger Award. Cabrera's performance helped solidify his reputation as one of the league's top shortstops. He remained with Cleveland until 2014, when he was traded to the Washington Nationals.
Cabrera's tenure with the Nationals was brief, as he signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2015. During his time with the Rays, Cabrera continued to demonstrate his defensive versatility, playing both second base and shortstop. In 2016, he joined the New York Mets, where he spent two and a half seasons. Cabrera's time with the Mets was marked by consistent offensive production and a steady presence in the infield.
In 2018, Cabrera was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he finished the season. The following year, he returned to the Nationals, contributing to their 2019 World Series championship run. Cabrera's veteran leadership and ability to play multiple infield positions proved valuable during the Nationals' postseason success.
Cabrera continued his career with the Texas Rangers in 2019 and later with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021. Throughout his career, Cabrera was known for his adaptability and steady performance on both offense and defense. His ability to play multiple infield positions made him a valuable asset to every team he joined.
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