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Could 38-year-old Nelson Cruz be the Rays next DH?
Cruz and Tampa Bay have been linked by journalists reporting from Las Vegas. Talks have progressed to discussion of contract details.
Marc Topkin reported, in today’s Tampa Bay Times, that Cruz’s agent feels that the Rays would be a good fit. Cruz, he notes, would bring veteran leadership and a power bat to a team that is missing both those pieces.
Steve Kinsella also reports that Rays are a likely landing spot for the six-time All Star.
Edwin Encina sees this as a good fit:
Nelson Cruz to #Rays makes a whole lot of sense. Can’t imagine a better veteran presence in a young clubhouse and Rays’ roster has the position flexibility to allow Cruz to DH exclusively. He will be 39 in July, but shows no signs of slowing down, averaging 41 HRs last five yrs. https://t.co/tJxJLi8rnb
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) December 11, 2018
Of course the Rays are not the only team interested; the Minnesota Twins have also been linked to Cruz. The Seattle DH earned $14.25 million last year.
As he will turn 39 during the 2019 season he is unlikely to get a long term contract, but could well be pushing for two years.
Earlier this fall MLB Trade Rumors projected him at two years, $30 million and predicted he would sign with the Twins.
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