All offseason, the Seattle Mariners have stressed the importance of landing a right-handed power bat in the outfield. They may have landed the best one available by inking outfielder Nelson Cruz, who led the big leagues in home runs last season.
The deal is worth a reported $57 million over four years with a $1 million signing bonus. After having a huge year in Baltimore, Cruz parlayed his performance into a multi-year deal towards the twilight of his career. For the Mariners, they may have signed him one year late in terms of having more financial flexibility as they debated signing him to a short-term deal last offseason.
Now that he’s in Seattle, there is no doubt the Mariners will be among a handful of teams competing for the AL pennant in 2015. Their lineup now looks extremely promising with Cruz in the middle protecting the likes of Robinson Cano. Even if they’re done making moves this offseason, the Mariners could be a scary team offensively.
With Cruz as the staple between the top and bottom of the order, the Mariners now boast one of the best and deepest lineups in all of baseball. They will need that in order to compete in the AL West and the AL as a whole. Even though they might not be done just yet, the addition of Cruz just made Seattle even more relevant than when they signed Cano to a massive contract — which is saying a lot.
The San Francisco Giants aren't as dangerous on paper as they were a season ago. Read More
It has been a long time since John Axford has been great. With a need for bullpen help, the Toronto Blue Jays should take a chance on him. Read More
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly interested in adding an ace, and signing James Shields would be the best way for them to do so. Read More
The NL Central boasts the best catchers in all of baseball. Here is how they rank heading into the 2015 season. Read More
Here is why Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila may benefit immensely from a strict platoon with James McCann in 2015. Read More
The Kansas City Royals made significant moves at the end of 2014, but the Chicago White Sox changed their team in a much bigger way. The Royals will now see far more of two well-liked former players. Read More
Will he be a Seattle Mariner or an Arizona Diamondback in the Hall of Fame? Either way, Randy Johnson's legacy will be remembered in Seattle long before it is forgotten. Read More
The Cincinnati Reds have lost a lot of organizational depth this winter. By adding Keyvius Sampson, they have a pitcher who has the talent to quickly surprise. Read More
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. should be working the phones in frigid Philadelphia to warm the hearts of fans by acquiring these five rebuilding pieces. Read More
Teams surprise every year, but here is a look at 10 teams that will take a step backwards in 2015. Read More
The San Francisco Giants are seemingly prepared to enter the 2015 season without acquiring additional difference-makers this offseason. Read More
The Toronto Blue Jays and Ichiro Suzuki would benefit each other if they were to strike a deal. Read More