Even as the Minnesota Twins have turned in a very disappointing start to the 2021 season, Nelson Cruz - at 41 years young - continues to rake.
One of the most dominant power hitters of his era, Cruz is slashing .310/.382/.584 with 18 home runs, 45 RBIs and a .966 OPS in 2021. If the universal DH had returned for 2021, perhaps close to a third of the league would have interest in the six-time All-Star.
The fact is, though, that pitchers are hitting again in the National League, which likely rules 15 teams out of the sweepstakes for Cruz. As Texas Rangers fans can tell you, relying on Cruz's defense in October isn't wise. And while it's not impossible that a National League team could trade for Cruz with the plan to use him as a pinch hitter until he can hopefully DH in the World Series, that doesn't feel especially likely.
DH isn't a position of need for contenders like the Boston Red Sox, but here are five potential suitors who could make sense as landing spots for the four-time Silver Slugger Award winner:
Toronto Blue Jays
Nelson Cruz is one of the best home run hitters of his era.
(David Berding/Getty Images)
Can you imagine Cruz hitting in the middle of a lineup with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.? The Blue Jays are 41-38, which makes them unlikely to catch the Boston Red Sox, but still very much in the American League Wild Card race. George Springer - the team's major offseason signing - is back, but they've stayed afloat without him for much of the season. While the Blue Jays could use the DH as a rotating spot for Springer, Randal Grichuk, Guerrero and the currently-optioned Rowdy Tellez, Cruz would give them one of the sport's deepest lineups.
Oakland Athletics
Nelson Cruz is having another tremendous season.
(Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
Mitch Moreland has been the the primary DH for the A's this season, and he's slashing just .239/.287/.390 with an underwhelming .677 OPS. Acquiring Cruz and getting Mark Canha off the injured list in July could go a long way in helping the A's catch the Houston Astros, as they currently are 1 1/2 games back in the American League West.
Seattle Mariners
Could Nelson Cruz return to the Mariners?
(Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Quietly, the Mariners are less than five games out of the second Wild Card spot in the American League. If they're able to stay in the race for a few more weeks, Jerry DiPoto may be inclined to make an addition or two for a team that hasn't played in the postseason since 2001. Cruz would immediately become the best hitter in the Mariners lineup, returning to a team that he hit 163 home runs for between 2015 and 2018.
Cleveland
Nelson Cruz is one of the league's top DHs.
(Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Using Franmil Reyes in the outfield would be sub-optimal, but would you be better team with Reyes - once he returns from the injured list - and Cruz in your lineup? Probably, even if you'd be taking a hit defensively. Josh Naylor had surgery Friday to correct "multiple fractures and ligament tearing," putting his status for the rest of the season into doubt. Eddie Rosario has disappointed mightily in 2021. The bottom line is that Terry Francona's team is within striking distance in both the American League Central and second American League Wild Card spot. Adding Cruz as a rental would be interesting.
Chicago White Sox
Could Nelson Cruz be a fit for the White Sox?
(David Berding/Getty Images)
Yermin Mercedes was optioned to Triple-A Friday, and while the White Sox hope that Eloy Jiménez will be able to make an impact after the All-Star Break, that's far from certain as he works his way back from a ruptured left pectoral tendon. Things could get crowded late in the season if Jiménez returns and can't play full-time in left field and/or Mercedes is able to regroup and make an impact again. That would almost be a nice problem for Tony La Russa to have, though. You have to get to that point first, and adding Cruz would help the White Sox to win the American League Central and return to the postseason for the second consecutive season.
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