Minnesota Twins: Nelson Cruz worth a two year deal

Nelson Cruz wants to remain with the Minnesota Twins and he wants a two year deal. The Twins should make both happen.

The Minnesota Twins took a gamble when they signed Nelson Cruz to a two year deal following the 2018 season. He had been a solid power threat and run producer for the Mariners, but was also 38 years old. As it turned out, that gamble paid off, as Cruz continued to be an elite hitter.

Understandably, both Cruz and the Twins are looking to keep a good thing going. However, it may take a two year contract for Cruz to remain, as he is reportedly looking for such a deal.

Cruz continued to defy Father Time in 2020. He produced a .303/.397/.595 batting line in his 214 plate appearances, hitting 16 homers. Easiest the best hitter on the Twins, Cruz led the team in homers and OPS.

While Cruz has not displayed any signs of slowing down, he is 40 years old. Cruz is also limited to a designated hitter role at this stage of his career, potentially limiting the number of teams interested in his services in the universal DH is not implemented next season. His market is also further limited due to the number of American League teams with options already locked into place, or less expensive players already on board.

That combination would seemingly make a two year contract a pipe dream. The Twins, and maybe one or two other teams, would seemingly constitute Criz’s market. One of those options would likely be able to sign him to a reasonably inexpensive one year deal.

But Cruz means more to the Twins than just run production. He has been a leader in the locker room, helping players such as Miguel Sano learn what it means to be major leaguers. Of course, that production certainly helps his case as well. And he is not showing any signs of slowing down.

Nelson Cruz wants to return to the Minnesota Twins, and he wants a two year deal. Both should be able to happen.