Nelson Cruz done making impact on Minnesota Twins

Even though Nelson Cruz was traded from the Minnesota Twins on July 22, he was still finding a way to make an impact. Their former designated hitter came through again for the team on July 31, when pitcher Bailey Ober used one of his bats to collect his first major league hit. Cruz may be gone, but his impact remained.

Now, weeks later, his immediate impact on the 2021 Twins is over. Ober had the bat autographed by Cruz and has retired it to his memorabilia collection.

Nelson Cruz no longer impacting Minnesota Twins

Cruz certainly did his part to help the Twins to contend in 2021. Before being traded to the Rays, he had posted a .294/.370/.537 batting line in his 346 plate appearances, hitting 19 homers and 13 doubles. He even managed to steal three bases, the most he had stolen in a season since 2015.

His impact will be felt on the team for years to come. The Twins were able to get a pair of intriguing pitchers in Joe Ryan and Drew Strotman for essentially two months of his services. Both pitchers are close to major league ready and are expected to be a key part of the Minnesota pitching staff moving forward.

Cruz may be able to impact the Twins directly as well. He is a free agent after this season and has been vocal about how much he enjoyed being part of the organization. He was one of the leaders in the clubhouse during his time in Minnesota, someone that helped the younger players transition to the majors.

Although he is 41 years old, Cruz still has that thunder in his bat. He could still be a key piece in the middle of a lineup, potentially even landing a two year deal despite his age. That could end up being back in Minnesota, as he is still clearly valued by the franchise. It just will not happen this year.

Nelson Cruz still made an impact on the Minnesota Twins after he was traded. That will no longer be the case now that his bat is retired.