Miggy chasing 3K hits, 500 home runs in 2021: 'I hope we can do both'

Veteran Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera has his sights set on a pair of major career milestones this season: 3,000 hits and 500 home runs.

"I hope we can do both," the two-time American League MVP said, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. "It's one of my goals this year."

Cabrera is within striking distance of both numbers. He needs 13 more home runs to reach 500 and 134 hits for an even 3,000.

The 37-year-old said he doesn't necessarily need to hit either plateau to be satisfied, but reaching both would be a dream come true.

"At this point in my career, 3000 (hits) and 500 home runs, I never think about that. You think in the back of your mind, 'I hope someday I can do that,'" he said. "But right now, to be in this position is really awesome. I feel proud of what I've done in my career."

If he's successful on both fronts, Cabrera will become the 33rd player in MLB history to notch 3,000 hits and the 28th to hit 500 homers. Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is the only active player to do both.

Cabrera has seen some of his power evaporate in recent seasons, and he hit just 12 homers in 136 games in 2019. The 11-time All-Star enjoyed a slight resurgence during the abbreviated 2020 campaign, however, going deep 10 times in 57 games.

Barring a surprise retirement, Cabrera will have more opportunities to pad his Hall of Fame resume beyond the 2021 campaign. He's under contract with the Tigers through the 2023 season, and his deal includes club options for both 2024 and 2025.