Talk Nats experiences that the Nationals are anticipated to say no their part of a $16MM mutual choice with righty slugger Nelson Cruz for the 2023 season, as an alternative opting to pay him a $3MM buyout at the choice. Additionally, Cruz, who have been up to now reported to be present process eye surgical procedure someday this month, has passed through the process this previous week.
Washington’s choice isn’t a surprise after a hard season for Cruz, who slashed simply .234/.313/.337 in 507 PA in 2022, posting his first under common offensive season by way of measure of wRC+ since his age 26 season again in 2007. Given his age (he became 42 this previous July) and down 12 months in 2022, it’s a good query to marvel what kind of marketplace he would possibly in finding for his products and services this offseason, in particular given his incapability to play the sphere at this degree in his profession. Cruz hasn’t frequently taken the sphere since 2015, and hasn’t performed the rest rather then DH since 2018, barring seven innings spent to start with base in one sport for the Rays ultimate 12 months. It’s tough to consider any transparent contenders short of to fasten up their DH slot with an ageing bat who carried out at a below-average offensive degree in 2022, in particular given the selection of groups preferring to cycle their on a daily basis avid gamers in the course of the DH slot as a possibility to supply them additional relaxation.
Cruz might be able to discover a marketplace nevertheless, alternatively. His aforementioned eye surgical procedure supplies a imaginable reason for his struggles this season, and hope it may be corrected headed into 2023. Combined together with his long monitor document as an all megastar caliber bat and his popularity as a pace-setter within the clubhouse, the process on his eye may give some groups sufficient self belief to provide Cruz a big league deal this offseason, even though wage provides certainly received’t come just about the $18MM ensure he gained with the Nationals in 2022.
Speculatively talking, a reunion with the Brewers or the Rangers this offseason may make some sense. Both groups are in dire want of added offensive firepower this season, however with the Brewers dealing with a large arbitration elegance in 2022, and the Rangers additionally in dire want of rotation reinforcements, a cheap flier on Cruz may make extra sense than a splashier, extra surefire addition. Another attainable have compatibility may well be discovered with the Guardians, who’ve surprised lots of the baseball global by way of beating out the White Sox and Twins for the AL Central identify and feature since knocked the Rays out of the postseason and stand tied with the Yankees 2 video games into the ALDS. Despite the spectacular season, the Guardians have struggled offensively this 12 months, particularly when in comparison to different postseason golf equipment. Having moved on from any other DH-only righty slugger in Franmil Reyes previous this season, and wearing a particularly younger roster, Cruz’s veteran presence and attainable with the bat may make sense. Given the Guardians are a franchise that hardly ever has the finances house to be had to make affect additions, the low ticket that will be hooked up to Cruz is one more reason for Cleveland to have an interest within the slugger.