Who led the American League in 2008 with 37 home runs?

Miguel Cabrera led the American League with 37 home runs in 2008. He hit those home runs during his first season with the Detroit Tigers.

Cabrera had joined Detroit after beginning his career with the Florida Marlins, with whom he won the 2003 World Series as a young player. In 2008, he played primarily at third base before moving to first base during the season. His power production helped make him the American League’s home-run leader despite Detroit’s disappointing team performance.

The 37-homer total was a career high for Cabrera at that time, and he also drove in 127 runs. He became the youngest American League home-run champion since Troy Glaus won the title in 2000. Cabrera later won another American League home-run title in 2012.

This question can be confused with the National League race or with the overall major-league leader. The answer refers specifically to the American League, where Cabrera’s 37 home runs topped the 2008 standings.