The Minnesota Twins were believed to be one of two finalists in the Nelson Cruz sweepstakes, and they agreed to a deal with the free agent slugger on Thursday.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports that Cruz will sign with the Twins on a contract worth $14 million for 2019.
Nelson Cruz’s deal with the Minnesota Twins is Worth $14 million guaranteed in the first year, source tells Yahoo Sports. There is a $12 million club option with a $300K buyout. My main man @Enrique_Rojas1 had the financials first.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 27, 2018
Cruz proved in 2018 that he is still very capable of hitting for power, but his market was likely limited because he is 38. He batted .256 with 37 home runs and an .850 OPS in 144 games for the Seattle Mariners last year. While his drop in average last season probably indicates he is slowing down, Cruz should be a serviceable DH who can provide some pop in Minnesota.
