Powerful Veteran Slugger Officially Hits the Open Market

After being designated for assignment last week, the San Diego Padres have officially released veteran slugger Nelson Cruz.

The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:

Cruz was released by the Padres on Monday.

ANALYSIS
Cruz had been designated for assignment a week ago after batting just .245/.283/.399 with a 30.3 percent strikeout rate across 49 games. This was after the 43-year-old produced just a .234/.313/.337 slash line in 2022. It's possible this is the end of the line for the seven-time All-Star.

The native of the Dominican Republic had five home runs and 23 RBI in a part-time role.

In addition to being a seven-time All-Star, he's a four-time Silver Slugger winner who has popped 464 career home runs.

He's in his 19th year in the big leagues with the Brewers, Rangers, Orioles, Mariners, Rays, Twins, Nationals and Padres.

He hit 30 home runs or more in seven consecutive full seasons between 2014-2021. He also hit 16 in the shortened COVID season.

Given his productivity, it seems likely that Cruz will get another chance somewhere, despite what the Rotowire writer says.

As injuries mount and teams look for offense, the idea of signing Cruz will become more appealing. Those looking for a bench bat will also come calling.

The problem is that Cruz can only play DH, so do you want to burn a bench spot on a bat-only player?

It remains to be seen, but it seems likely that someone will do it, especially for the veteran minimum.

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