Nelson Cruz had a lot of doubters going into 2015, wondering if he would be able to perform the way he had with the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles. Cruz went above and beyond expectations, with a batting line of .302/.369/.566 to go along with his 44 home runs. Even during the farewell season of one of the greatest designated hitters to play the game (David Ortiz), Cruz is still the best DH in MLB going into the 2016 season. Although 2015 was a memorable one for Cruz, he has been doing it for years.
5. Postseason Powerhouse
Harry How/Getty ImagesCruz currently is the leader for RBIs and HR in a postseason series, hitting 6 HR and 13 RBIs in the 2011 ALCS while with the Rangers. He also is ninth in career postseason HR. Now if only the Mariners can make the postseason.
4. All-Star
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Cruz was not only an All-Star with the Mariners in 2015, he was an All-Star in 2009, 2013 and 2014. He has played in the All-Star game as a RF and as a DH, although this season he is scheduled to see a major increase at the DH spot.
3. Slugging
Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY SportsCruz is the definition of a slugger, known for his power above all else. He had the third highest slugging percentage in 2015. This was no fluke, as he had the sixth highest slugging percentage in 2014 while with the Orioles.
2. Power
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsCruz is known for his home runs, but the distance of those home runs might surprise most, considering Cruz is 35 years old. He had the sixth highest average distance of fly balls in MLB in 2015, which is a plus considering he plays at Safeco Field.
1. Back To Back 40-HR Seasons
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY SportsCruz hit 40 HR in 2014 while hitting in Camden Yards, making many wonder if he could complete the feat again in spacious Safeco Field. Not only did Cruz hit 40 HR, he topped his 2014 number by hitting 44 HR in 2015 with the Mariners.
