Minnesota Twins Sign Nelson Cruz

At the start of the 2018 season, Kevin Cash and Andy Green, both 40, were the youngest managers in Major League Baseball. This year, the Minnesota Twins hired 37-year-old Rocco Baldelli.

They appear to have not gone all in on youth. On Thursday, they agreed to a one-year, $14.3 million deal with 38-year old slugger Nelson Cruz. The deal features a $12 million, team option for 2020.

Cruz has hit the most home runs over the past five seasons with 203. No other player topped 200. The next closest is Yankees star Giancarlo Stanton with 188, 15 less. Over those five years, Cruz missed only an average of nine games per season.

On Instagram, he thanked the Seattle Mariners and said goodbye. He wrote, ” would like to thank the Mariners ownership especially John for all you have done for me and my hometown, the organization, the coaching staff, my teammates, Ryan, Billy and everyone else in the clubhouse, Rick Rizzs and all of the other reporters I came across, and most importantly the fans for all of your support over the last four seasons.  Seattle, you hold a special place in my heart as you embraced me from the start even when skeptics said I would not succeed in a pitcher friendly park. I hope you enjoyed hearing Dave Sims say Boomstick Baby as much as I did. ”

 

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I would like to thank the Mariners ownership especially John for all you have done for me and my hometown, the organization, the coaching staff, my teammates, Ryan, Billy and everyone else in the clubhouse, Rick Rizzs and all of the other reporters I came across, and most importantly the fans for all of your support over the last four seasons. Seattle, you hold a special place in my heart as you embraced me from the start even when skeptics said I would not succeed in a pitcher friendly park. I hope you enjoyed hearing Dave Sims say Boomstick Baby as much as I did. My Boomstick23 Foundation was formally established while in the Emerald City and I appreciate your support throughout the years. Thank you to my family and my Boomstick23 team for your continued support. Me gustaría darle las Gracias a los Marineros, los dueños especialmente a John por todo lo que han hecho por mí y por mi ciudad natal, a la organización, el cuerpo técnico, mis compañeros de equipo, Ryan, Billy y todos los demás en el clubhouse, Rick Rizzs y todos los demás reporteros. Y más importante, a los fanáticos por todo su apoyo durante las últimas cuatro temporadas. Seattle, es un lugar especial en mi corazón porque me apoyaron desde el principio, incluso cuando los escépticos dijeron que no tendría éxito en un parque que beneficia a los lanzadores. Espero que hayan disfrutado escuchar a Dave Sims decir Boomstick Baby tanto como yo. Mi Fundación Boomstick23 se estableció formalmente en la ciudad de Esmeralda y aprecio su apoyo a lo largo de los años. Gracias a mi familia y a mi equipo Boomstick23 por su apoyo continuo.

A post shared by Nelson Cruz (@ncboomstick23) on Dec 27, 2018 at 9:57am PST

Cruz will be a much-needed spark for the Twins, who ranked 23rd in the majors last season with 166 home runs. This offseason they’ve added C.J. Cron who hit 30 home runs in 2018 and Jonathan Schoop to the roster.

Article by Bill Piersa