While Masahiro Tanaka is getting paid hefty sums of money despite never having played in the Major Leagues, one proven veteran has been left out in the cold this winter--Nelson Cruz.
The PED-tainted slugger is experiencing a polar vortex of sorts this offseason; while Robinson Cano had a 10-year deal lavished upon him, and Jacoby Ellsbury is bathing in Yankees money with Tanaka, Cruz may have to settle for a one-year contract despite swatting 27 home runs last year, the fifth straight year with 22 or more home runs.
The New York Mets were rumored early on to be pursuing Cruz, and even though they signed Curtis Granderson this offseason could still use more punch in the batting order. Another team that may be looking for more offense is the Detroit Tigers; the Detroit Free Press believes they are the favorites to sign Cruz.
ESPN's Jim Bowden agrees, the Free Press pointed out. "The Tigers' trade of first baseman Prince Fielder, combined with their failure to upgrade offensively in left field, have left them one power hitter short," Bowden wrote. "They did sign veteran speedster Rajai Davis, who is expected to split time with Andy Dirks in left field, but it really leaves questions about the bottom half of their lineup."
Bowden continued, "Cruz would solve this problem for them and might be willing to sign a one-year "pillow" deal for a chance to hit in that lineup and return to the postseason."
Part of the problem with signing Cruz to the deal he wants, which is reportedly in the neighborhood of four years and $75 million, is that any team signing him will need to cough up a first round pick to do so. Bowden thinks this isn't too great an issue for Detroit.
"He would cost the Tigers their first-round pick, but a team in such a "win-now" mode can't get too carried away about a pick, particularly when it is at the end of the first round (No. 24)."
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