Free-agent outfielder Nelson Cruz and the Baltimore Orioles agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract on Saturday. There is a physical pending and the deal has $750,000 in incentives.
Cruz becomes the second player to sign with the Orioles this week. Three days ago they signed right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez to a four-year, $50 million deal. Cruz had interest from three teams. The Seattle Mariners, New York Mets and Texas Rangers all had an interest in Cruz. The Rangers gave him a qualifying offer that was worth $14.1 million, but Cruz rejected that offer, Yahoo Sports reports.
Cruz has been with the Rangers for the last eight seasons. He hit .266 with 27 homeruns and 76 RBIs before serving a 50-game suspension for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal last year. He is one of seven players to have at least 20 homeruns in each of the last five seasons, according to ESPN. He has 157 career homeruns.
Cruz, who is a two-time All-Star, is a great addition for the Orioles. He will add power to their lineup and make their lineup one of the best in the American League.He will be their primary designated hitter. It will be interesting to see how the Orioles new players perform this year.