Into the Twilight of his career
In the first three years of his four-year deal, Cruz averaged 4.3 WAR per season and provided the Mariners with $102.4 million in value at the cost of $42 million so far.
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Former Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik had some hits and misses as the team’s GM. This was easily the best deal he made during his tenure.
Cruz is not the first Mariner to win the Silver Slugger Award at DH. The great Edgar Martinez won four of them from 1995 to 2003 (he also won the Silver Slugger at third base in 1992).
Edgar’s four Silver Slugger Awards at DH are the second-most all-time. Only David Ortiz, with seven, has more.
Cruz will be 37 next year and has one year left on a contract that has been terrific for the Mariners. Edgar Martinez hit at a high level as a Mariners DH when he was in his 30s. Seattle Mariners fans are hoping Nelson Cruz can do the same, at least for one more year.
Next: San Diego Padres: 2017 Season Review
Will he continue to produce at an elite, All-Star level? Or like many who have come before him, will his production begin decreasing? Nevertheless, Nelson Cruz has extended his career longer than anticipated, which is okay by us baseball fans who love that swagger to go with the exciting style of play.