Report: Blue Jays Have 'Shown Interest' In DH Nelson Cruz

Cruz, a 43-year-old designated hitter, could bring a needed righty power bat to the Blue Jays lineup.

The Blue Jays could take a shot on a former home run king.

Toronto has "shown some interest" in free agent designated hitter Nelson Cruz, Sporstnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith reports. The 43-year-old was recently designated for assignment and released by the San Diego Padres.

Cruz cleared waivers last week after he was DFA'd by the Padres. The veteran slugger hit .245 in 49 games with San Diego, but his OBP (.283) and slugging percentage (.399) were both well below career norms. Cruz hasn't put up an above-average hitting season since 2021 but has four Silver Sluggers and 464 career homers to his name. 

Crucially, Cruz is a right-handed batter with a career .928 OPS against lefty pitching. After bringing Brandon Belt, Kevin Kiermaier, and Daulton Varsho in this offseason, the Jays have struggled at times against southpaws. As a team, Toronto has a .700 OPS against lefties (24th in MLB) and a league-worst 14 homers against the weak side of the platoon.

Even with his declining numbers and ascending age, Cruz could slide onto Toronto's bench as a pinch-hit and platoon option against lefties. But, a minor role with the Jays might not be enough to lure Cruz as Nicholson-Smith also reports the slugger is "believed to have other options" for his next destination.