Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
Report: Blue Jays 'Among Possibilities' for Nelson Cruz
Sometimes the best defense is just a good offense.
Back in 2015, the Toronto Blue Jays were in desperate need of pitching, but instead of bolstering their pitching staff in the days leading up to the trade deadline, Toronto went out and added Troy Tulowitzki to improve their already lethal offense.
This year, the Blue Jays might be looking to take the same approach. The organization is reportedly among the teams that could acquire Minnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz, according to Jon Heyman.
Even at 40 years old, Cruz has shown no signs of slowing down offensively. He's hitting .304 with a .936 OPS, 18 home runs, and 45 RBIs this season. He's been among the American League's best hitters and earned a nod for his seventh All-Star game selection this year.
While Toronto still needs to improve its staff, Cruz would make the Blue Jays' lineup that already ranks second in the Majors in batting average and first in home runs even scarier for opposing pitchers.
For Minnesota, moving Cruz ahead of the deadline would allow the Twins to get something back for the soon-to-be free agent. As of Thursday, the Twins are 15.5 games back in the American League Central and 12.5 games back for a Wild Card spot.
The MLB trade deadline is scheduled for July 30.
Further Reading:
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