The San Diego Padres and Nelson Cruz have reportedly agreed on a 1-year deal.
Veteran slugger Nelson Cruz and the San Diego Padres have agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract, sources have told ESPN. Cruz, 42, is entering his 19th season and should get plenty of at-bats as DH. He will also serve as the general manager of the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic.
– Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 11, 2023
It was previously rumored that San Diego was interested in the veteran designated hitter, but nothing was official. This reported deal provides the Padres with a right-handed slugger who can either be a designated hitter or come off the bench in a pinch-hitting role.
Nelson Cruz could end up platooning with Matt Carpenter, who also recently signed a deal in San Diego. Carpenter is a left-handed hitter who will mostly face right-handed pitchers. Meanwhile, Cruz’s ability to hit left-handed pitchers from the right side bodes well for the Padres. Cruz may see some time in the outfield. But the 42-year-old is best suited for a designated hitter job at this point in his career.
He endured a poor season with the Washington Nationals during the 2022 campaign. Cruz ultimately slashed just .234/.313/.337 with a .651 OPS and 10 home runs in 124 games. However, this is a player who is only a year away from hitting 32 home runs between the Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays. Cruz was also an All-Star in 2021. Maybe playing for a contender in San Diego will help Nelson Cruz bounce back.
The Padres are looking to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the National League West division title. LA posted a division victory last year. However, San Diego stunned the Dodgers in the 2022 MLB playoffs. After the Padres’ lucrative offseason that has seen them sign star Xander Bogaerts and other key depth pieces, they are ready to make another run. of playoffs.
The San Diego Padres have +120 to win the NL West according to MLB betting sites. Adding a power bat like Nelson Cruz bodes well for his chances of winning the division.
