Update…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Twins and veteran slugger Nelson Cruz have agreed to a one-year contract with an option for the 2020 season, giving Minnesota a boost at designated hitter.
The Twins announced the deal Wednesday. Cruz played 144 games for the Seattle Mariners last season, hitting .256 with 37 home runs, 97 RBIs and a .342 on-base percentage.
The 38-year-old from the Dominican Republic has been named an All-Star six times, including five of the last six seasons.
The two-time Silver Slugger has played 14 seasons in the majors with Milwaukee, Texas, Baltimore and Seattle. Cruz has had five straight seasons of at least 37 home runs. His 203 homers in that span lead all major leaguers.
Three players — Logan Morrison, Robbie Grossman and the now-retired Joe Mauer, made at least 30 starts at DH for the Twins last season.
Previously…
(CBS Sports) The Minnesota Twins have been aggressive this winter in adding power to their lineup. Entering Christmas, they had already claimed first baseman C.J. Cron off waivers and signed second baseman Jonathan Schoop to a one-year deal. On Thursday, the Twins struck again: inking free-agent DH Nelson Cruz to a one-year deal that comes with a club option.
Yahoo Sports reports, there is a $12 million club option with a $300K buyout.
Cruz has been a highly productive hitter in recent seasons. Since 2016 he’s batted .278/.359/.538 (144 OPS+) with 40 home runs on average. He’s homered at least 35 times in each of the last five years, and hasn’t finished with an OPS+ below 130 since 2013.
While there’s no questioning Cruz’s track record, his age does raise some concern. Next season will mark his age-38 campaign. It’s fair to expect that, at some point, Cruz won’t possess the physical ability to maintain his high level of production. When that’ll happen is anyone’s guess.
