Could the Boomstick be heading to Queens?
Jon Heyman of The New York Post reports that the Mets have interest in veteran slugger Nelson Cruz, who is currently playing for the lowly 30-55 Washington Nationals.
The Mets are currently 52-31, and find themselves atop the National League East. However, as the Mets look to fend off the defending World Series Champion Atlanta Braves -- and, to a lesser extent, the Philadelphia Phillies -- they could stand to add another run producer to pair with Pete Alonso. Both Dom Smith (.619 OPS) and J.D. Davis (.373 slugging percentage) have disappointed to this point in 2022.
At 42, this is no longer the peak Cruz that was a threat to hit 40 home runs every season. Still, Cruz has eight home runs and 46 RBIs in 2022, and you would expect his .686 OPS to improve if he was inserted into a significantly better lineup.
Cruz signed a one-year/$12 million deal with the Nationals in March, which includes a $16 million mutual option for 2023. If that mutual option isn't exercised by both sides, Cruz would be owed a $3 million buyout.
Heyman reported last week that the Mets also have interest in Baltimore Orioles' slugger Trey Mancini. While Cruz is the bigger name, Mancini -- who could play first base or corner outfield in addition to being a DH -- may be the better fit at this juncture.
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