Report: Nelson Cruz waiting for universal DH decision before signing

Free-agent slugger Nelson Cruz is unlikely to sign a new contract until there is clarity about a universal designated hitter in 2021, a source told Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Major League Baseball implemented a DH in both the American League and National League during the shortened 2020 campaign to protect pitchers from injury. The AL was the only league to feature the position from 1973 to 2019.

There hasn't been a final decision on whether the rule change, which has to be collectively bargained, will apply to next season.

Cruz is coming off an age-39 season in which he hit 16 homers while posting a .992 OPS in 53 games for the Minnesota Twins. The six-time All-Star finished sixth in AL MVP voting and collected his fourth Silver Slugger.

The 40-year-old star has expressed a desire to stay with the Twins and is looking for a multi-year contract.