Report: Mariners agree to terms with Nelson Cruz on multi-year deal
The Seattle Mariners addressed their need for offense in a big way Monday by agreeing to terms with Nelson Cruz on a multi-year deal, pending a physical, according to multiple reports.
Cruz slashed .271/.333/.525 with 40 home runs and 108 RBIs in 159 games with the Baltimore Orioles last season. The 34-year-old has hit at least 22 home runs in each of the last six seasons.
While the terms have not been officially announced, Enrique Rojas of ESPN reports that the deal is worth $57 million over four seasons, with a $1 million signing bonus. The deal represents a significant raise for Cruz, who agreed to a one-year, $8-million deal with the Orioles last offseason after serving a 50-game suspension for PED use while a member of the Texas Rangers.
Cruz expressed his desire to re-sign with the Orioles at the conclusion of last season but Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reported that Baltimore wasn't willing to sign a four-year deal. Cruz rejected Baltimore's $15.3-million qualifying offer which means Seattle will be required to surrender a draft pick as compensation.
The Mariners prioritized acquiring a bat to surround with Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager this offseason and Cruz fits the bill. Seattle ranked 10th in the American League in home runs, 11th in runs, 12th in slugging and 14th in average last season.
While Cruz appeared in the outfield in 70 of 159 games for the Orioles, the right-handed hitting slugger will most likely log the majority of at-bats as the Mariners designate hitter. Last season, Seattle managed 15 home runs and a .191/.270/.307 from the DH position.
Seattle reportedly extended an offer to Cruz last offseason, but ownership withheld their approval due to his previous suspension.
Pitching-friendly Safeco Field hasn't been overly kind to Cruz in the past, though it's a small sample size. In 184 at-bats, he's hitting .234/.309/.440 with nine home runs and 11 doubles.
With Cruz off the board, outfielder Melky Cabrera is now the top free-agent position player available.