*Photo from the Tampa Bay Times*
To replace Ryan Zimmerman in the lineup, the Washington Nationals went for another old guy, but with much more power. The Nationals and DH Nelson Cruz have agreed to a one year, $15 million deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The Nationals have confirmed the deal.
The contract for Cruz is one guaranteed year, and he'll make $12 million in 2022. There is also a mutual option for the 2023 season, worth $13 million, with a $3 million buyout, so the deal could max out at two years and $25 million. Cruz is an instant power injection into a retooling Washington squad, and he figures to keep swatting homers in bunches.
Split between the Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays last season, Cruz hit for a .265 batting average and .832 OPS, slugging .497 and whacking 32 home runs, with 86 RBI's in 85 games in Minnesota and 55 with the Rays, making his 7th all star game while playing 140 games in the regular season, and 4 games in the playoffs.
In Cruz's long 17 year career, he has a .277 batting average and .873 OPS, hitting 449 home runs to go with 1,238 RBI's, with an extra 79 stolen bases in 1,882 regular season games, split between 6 different teams. In 50 career playoff games, Cruz has a .278 average and 18 home runs, driving in 38 runs in 7 seasons in the playoffs.
Cruz joins the Nationals with 7 all star game selections, 4 silver slugger awards, and the 2011 ALCS MVP award. He also won the 2021 Roberto Clemente award, for his character and involvement in the community. He also took home the Twins Bob Allison award, which is "given to the Twins player who exemplifies determination, hustle, tenacity, competitive spirit and leadership both on and off the field."
The signing of Cruz marks the first notable post lockout signing for the Nationals, and is the second notable one of the offseason, with Cesar Hernandez signing before the lockout.
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