Nelson Cruz Heads to Mariners

Posted on December 29th, 2014 by Matt

After a great season in Baltimore which saw Nelson Cruz lead the major leagues with 40 home runs, Cruz is taking his power and heading to the Pacific Northwest where he will attempt to boost a Mariners team that fell just one game short of the playoffs in 2014. Cruz provides much needed right handed power for the Mariners, where he figures to see most of his playing time at DH. While Cruz is already 33 years old, and will be 37 during the final year of his new four year contract, the Mariners will hope to keep him healthy by keeping him out of the outfield the majority of the time.

The Potential Upside

Looking at the glass half full, the Mariners hope that Cruz can represent one of the last pieces that they needed to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2001. If Cruz can replicate most of his production from last season with Baltimore, he will form a formidable middle of the order group along with Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager. While hitting 40 home runs again, in the larger Safeco Field, seems like a longshot, even a 30 home run season may be all that the Mariners need. After all, Seattle led the American League in ERA last season, and will be returning the majority of that pitching staff for 2015.

The Potential Downside

One the other side of the equation, Cruz is a slugger nearing his mid-30’s – a pointcruz where many power hitters begin to decline. If his power starts to go away quicker than expected, most of his value will be gone along with it. Cruz doesn’t offer many other notable skills, as his value is tied directly to the amount of power he is able to bring to the order. As a DH, Cruz will have to keep hitting for the next four years if the Mariners are going to get a good return on their investment.

What’s Next?

For the Mariners, right field appears to be the final spot that needs to be filled before the roster will be ready to head to spring training in 2015. Most likely, the Mariners will look to make a trade to fill that spot in right field, whether it is a big name like Justin Upton or Matt Kemp, or a small acquisition. If they are able to locate a quality right fielder to add to the everyday lineup, Seattle could enter the season as the favorite in the difficult A.L. West.

As for Nelson Cruz, this contract represents what he has been looking for over the last couple of years. He signed a one year deal with Baltimore last year in order to prove his value – which he did, and then some. The reward is a lucrative four year deal, and he will now attempt to help complete the Mariners return to postseason competition.


2006 Topps Co-Signers Nelson Cruz Auto RC #113 picture

2006 Topps Co-Signers Nelson Cruz Auto RC #113

$12.00



Nelson Cruz 2021 Panini National Treasures Game Gear Materials Sevens Patch 8/10 picture

Nelson Cruz 2021 Panini National Treasures Game Gear Materials Sevens Patch 8/10

$149.99



2021 TOPPS CHROME REFRACTOR NELSON CRUZ ALL STAR AUTO AUTOGRAPH TWINS picture

2021 TOPPS CHROME REFRACTOR NELSON CRUZ ALL STAR AUTO AUTOGRAPH TWINS

$15.99



2005 Topps Chrome Updates & Highlights Nelson Cruz RC Rookie Card UH210 Brewers picture

2005 Topps Chrome Updates & Highlights Nelson Cruz RC Rookie Card UH210 Brewers

$12.50



2006 Topps Co-Signers #113 Nelson Cruz AU Milwaukee Brewers picture

2006 Topps Co-Signers #113 Nelson Cruz AU Milwaukee Brewers

$9.99



2005 Topps Chrome Updates & Highlights Base Nelson Cruz UH210 picture

2005 Topps Chrome Updates & Highlights Base Nelson Cruz UH210

$7.00



2014 Topps Series 2  Blue #453 Nelson Cruz - Baltimore Orioles picture

2014 Topps Series 2 Blue #453 Nelson Cruz - Baltimore Orioles

$1.60



2021 Topps Chrome Magenta Speckle Refractors /350 #180 Nelson Cruz picture

2021 Topps Chrome Magenta Speckle Refractors /350 #180 Nelson Cruz

$1.99



Nelson Cruz 2006 Topps Chrome Red Refractor 22/25 RC ROOKIE AUTO BREWERS picture

Nelson Cruz 2006 Topps Chrome Red Refractor 22/25 RC ROOKIE AUTO BREWERS

$149.99



NELSON CRUZ 2023 BOWMAN CHROME WBC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC GREEN /99 Q1618 picture

NELSON CRUZ 2023 BOWMAN CHROME WBC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC GREEN /99 Q1618

$9.99