Melky Cabrera, a Dominican-born outfielder, began his Major League Baseball career with the New York Yankees. Signed as an amateur free agent in 2001, Cabrera made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 2005. Known for his strong arm and ability to play all three outfield positions, Cabrera quickly became a reliable player for the Yankees. During his time in New York, he contributed to the team's success, including their 2009 World Series championship.
In 2010, Cabrera was traded to the Atlanta Braves, where he spent one season. His performance that year was underwhelming, leading to his release. However, Cabrera found a resurgence in his career after signing with the Kansas City Royals in 2011. That season, he achieved career highs in several offensive categories, including hits and batting average, which led to a trade to the San Francisco Giants.
Cabrera's tenure with the Giants in 2012 was marked by both triumph and controversy. He was named the All-Star Game MVP after a standout performance, but his season was later marred by a 50-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Despite this setback, Cabrera's contributions earlier in the season helped the Giants secure a playoff spot, although he was not part of their postseason roster.
Following his suspension, Cabrera signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2013. Over two seasons with the Blue Jays, he continued to be a productive hitter, although injuries limited his playing time. In 2014, Cabrera posted impressive numbers, which led to a three-year contract with the Chicago White Sox.
Cabrera's stint with the White Sox from 2015 to 2017 saw him maintain his reputation as a consistent offensive player. He provided veteran leadership and stability to the team's lineup. In 2017, Cabrera was traded to the Kansas City Royals for a second stint, where he finished the season.
In 2018, Cabrera signed with the Cleveland Indians, where he played a supporting role in their outfield rotation. The following year, he joined the Pittsburgh Pirates, continuing to demonstrate his hitting abilities and experience on the field.
Throughout his career, Cabrera was known for his ability to make contact and hit for average. He accumulated over 1,900 hits and maintained a batting average above .280.
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