MLB Players Power Rankings (1): Nelson Cruz, Minnesota Twins
Week-17 Stats: 1.172 SLG | 0.639 wOBA | 312 wRC+ | 0.9 fWAR
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Finally, here we are and Nelson Cruz, a 15-year MLB veteran of 39 years of age, tops the list of MLB hitters in week-17 of the season. Armed with a three-home run game against the Chicago White Sox last week, Cruz demonstrated that he is not looking to slow down anytime soon.
Cruz led everybody in just about everything last week, helping the Minnesota Twins to thwart off the Cleveland Indians from the division lead.
This season, Nelson Cruz is channeling a fellow paisano in David Ortiz, making himself one of the scariest bats out of the DH position in all of baseball. His .605 SLG is the best of his career, but for 2008 when he slugged .609 in just 31 games. His .375 OBP is tied for the best of his career, but for the same 2008 season when he had a .421 OBP, again in just 31 games.
With the Minnesota Twins looking to deliver a postseason to remember this year, they’re going to need production close to this from Cruz moving forward. The veteran will more than likely continue to produce.
Don’t be surprised if he makes another appearance at this position before the season ends.