MLB Seattle Mariners

Nelson Cruz Signing Will Do Wonders for Seattle Mariners’ Offense

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By @MichaelTerrill

Nelson Cruz

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An additional veteran bat is what many MLB teams will be looking for at the 2014 Winter Meetings. The Seattle Mariners got the jump as they have agreed to a multiyear contract with outfielder Nelson Cruz.

As of right now, it is unknown how much the deal is worth, although sources told ESPN Deportes that it could be worth as much as $57 million over four years with a $1 million signing bonus.

After eight successful seasons with the Texas Rangers, Cruz signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles in free agency last season. Despite many saying it was a mistake for him to only ink a one-year deal, it clearly paid off for the 34 year old.

No player in Major League Baseball hit more home runs (40) than Cruz did last season. On top of that, he ranked third in the American League in RBIs (108). He also proved to be a top-notch contributor in the postseason for the Orioles. In seven games, he posted a .357 batting average, two home runs, seven RBIs, one double and five runs in 28 at-bats.

The postseason success should not come as much of a surprise considering he performed very well with the Rangers in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

If Cruz passes his physical, he will join a Mariners lineup that includes Robinson Cano, Corey Hart and Dustin Ackley. Seattle is still a ways away from becoming a legitimate World Series contender, but there is no denying that the addition of Cruz will do wonders for the ball club offensively.

Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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