Cabrera, the American League's MVP in 2012 and 2013, played through the pain barrier this year after being troubled by a bone spur in his right ankle.
However, it has now been revealed that the 31-year-old old also had a stress fracture in the navicular bone near the top of his right foot.
After undergoing surgery to repair both injuries, Cabrera is now set to avoid weight-bearing activities on the foot for three months, greatly limiting his off-season activity.
"He'll probably be pretty much inactive, said the Tigers' team president, CEO and general manager Dave Dombrowski on Friday.
"It was a surprise, I'd say, for all of us. We were not aware [the stress fracture] was there. I'm not sure how long it was there. He did have a couple of screws inserted.
Dombrowski expressed surprise at Cabrera's ability to play on throughout September, and excel en route to earning the AL player of the month award.
"It's amazing that he was able to do that," Dombrowski said.
"It's amazing he was able to function with the foot and the ankle the way it is. He really is as tough as can be."