Surprise Team Wins Nelson Cruz Sweepstakes

Earlier in the day, it looked like ageless DH Nelson Cruz was headed to Southern California, as a report pegged the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres as the leading contenders for his services. But it’s the Washington Nationals who surprised everyone by swooping in to sign him. 

Nelson Cruz has agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal with the Nationals, per @Ken_Rosenthal.

➡️ https://t.co/ByllpgrPhC pic.twitter.com/qMz6n52M8x

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 14, 2022

The 42-year-old signs a one year deal with Washington that guarantees him at least $15M, and includes a mutual option for a second year.

Nelson Cruz Nats deal: $15M guaranteed. $12M in 2022, $16M mutual option in 2023 with $3M buyout,

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 14, 2022

Earlier in the day, Nats GM Mike Rizzo hinted at this kind of signing, when he said, “We would like to get another veteran hitter that can help us score some runs, hit some home runs, that type of thing."

It’s also a way of affording superstar Juan Soto some protection in the lineup, as the team has two more years to convince him to stay long-term, after he turned down their $350M extension offer earlier this winter.

Aside from a bit of a dip in his two month in Tampa Bay last season, Father Time hasn’t been much of a hindrance for Cruz. He’s now amassed 449 home runs in his 17-year career, giving him a shot to reach the 500 mark in a Nationals uniform if he plays through 2023.

Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports