MLB Insider Reveals 2 Teams Interested In Nelson Cruz
The San Diego Padres had signed designated hitter Nelson Cruz before the start of the season, hoping he could recapture some of the form that made him one of the most feared hitters in the American League from 2009 to 2021.
That wasn’t the case, as he was a below-average hitter for a struggling Padres team.
On July 4, the organization designated him for assignment, and he was officially released a week later.
Now, Cruz is available for a relatively low salary because he is 43.
However, a few offense-starved organizations are reportedly interested in his services.
MLB insider Hector Gomez was asked if Cruz was going to sign with the Toronto Blue Jays.
He replied that the Jays are indeed interested in Cruz, but the New York Yankees are too.
#BlueJays y #Yankees han mostrado interés en Nelson Cruz. https://t.co/owLSlnK287
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) July 18, 2023
Both teams could take a shot and sign him, particularly the Yankees.
Ever since Aaron Judge hit the injured list for a second time this season, their offense has completely tanked.
Cruz is no savior at this stage of his career – he wouldn’t be a free agent in July if that was the case – but he is an experienced hitter with an extensive track record.
This year, he wasn’t very good, though: he slashed .245/.283/.399 with five home runs in 152 plate appearances with the Padres.
With 464 career home runs, Cruz will surely love to find some playing time to get as close to 500 as he possibly can.
He has had an impressive career for a guy who didn’t get his first shot at consistent playing time until he was 26.
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