According to reports, Nelson Cruz has agreed to a 4-year deal with the Seattle Mariners. Roch Kubatko, who covers the Baltimore Orioles, Cruz’s now former team, tweeted the deal and the fact the Orioles were not willing to go more than three years on a deal.
Reports say Nelson Cruz agrees to 4 year $57 mil deal with Mariners. #orioles werent going more than 3.
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) December 1, 2014
Reports say Nelson Cruz agrees to 4 year $57 mil deal with Mariners. #orioles werent going more than 3. — Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) December 1, 2014 A dominican newspaper was first on the deal.
Nelson Cruz and #Mariners agree 4 years/$57 million, report dominican newsspaper @ElCaribeRD > http://t.co/6eKuGcUumQ — Enrique Rojas/ESPN (@Enrique_Rojas1) December 1, 2014
Nelson Cruz está cerca de firmar con Seattle por 57 millones de dólares http://t.co/NYRLAHe97Y
— El Caribe (@ElCaribeRD) December 1, 2014
Cruz had a career year with the Baltimore Orioles after signing a one-year deal, hitting 40 homers in his age 33 season. He finished 7th in AL MVP voting. The question will be whether he keeps up his recent power surge in this 4-year contract, but less than 60 million over 4 years, it’s hard to foresee the Mariners losing big on this deal. Cruz will be 37 by the end of the deal, which rightfully will worry fans.
It is no secret the Mariners have been interested in a power outfield bat, ever since attempting they were close to acquiring Justin Upton in a trade almost two years ago. The Mariners, who finished last season with an 87-75 record, and a game out at the chance in the playoffs, recently signed a long-term deal with the third basemen Kyle Seager, before signing Cruz. Seager, Cano, and now, Cruz, represent a dynamic power core in the lineup, as they try to go from a below .500 team a few years back, to competing year in and year out.
BaseballEssential.com’s own Nick Hamelin reported that the Mariners were interested last week.
I’m hearing that Seattle is showing interest in Nelson Cruz and that a contract has possibly been discussed. I cannot confirm yet.
— Nick Hamelin (@NickHamelin) November 24, 2014
The Orioles will now have to make up the loss of their best power hitter last season and a historic postseason performer as they move forward. Ken Rosenthal has reported the O’s have talked to Dodgers about Matt Kemp, but no developments beyond that.
Will this push the Mariners over the edge for the 2015 season?
UPDATE: Jerry Crasnick of ESPN has confirmed the deal.
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