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Seattle Mariners Sign Nelson Cruz to Four-Year Deal

According to reports, The Seattle Mariners have signed free agent outfielder Nelson Cruz to a four-year contract worth $57 million. Enrique Rojas of ESPN Desportes was one of the first with the story.

The Mariners, who need more power in their offence are hoping to get that from Cruz, who played for the Baltimore Orioles last season. With a .271/.333/.525 slash line, and 40 home runs and 108 RBIs last season, Cruz was seen by some as a possible MVP candidate as the Orioles ran away from the AL East. Cruz was good for a 4.2 offensive WAR last season. It was a bounce back for Cruz who missed 50 games in 2013 following his involvement with Biogenesis and Performance Enhancing Drugs.

Cruz’s deal is worth an average of $14.25 million per season, which is less than the one-year qualifying offer the Orioles made. As a result of that offer, the Orioles will recieve draft pick compensation from the Mariners with this signing. However, signing the now 34-year-old to a four-year deal may be a little bit of a risk on the Mariners part. Cruz’s defence is already below replacement level, and it may make sense for him to transition into the DH position full-time with the Mariners.

Cruz reportedly was going to sign for the Mariners last year, for two-years and $16.5 million before management stepped in according to a report from the Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune.

 

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Main Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

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