Mariners sign Nelson Cruz to 4-year contract

The Seattle Mariners officially announced the signing of outfielder Nelson Cruz to a four-year contract on Thursday. 

Terms of the deal weren't disclosed though Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports Cruz will make $14 million in each year with a $1 million signing bonus bringing the total to $57 million. 

Seattle missed the postseason by a single game in 2014, thanks in large part to an offense that finished in the bottom third of the American League in runs scored and dead last in on-base percentage plus slugging.

The acquisition of Cruz will no doubt help quell some of those offensive woes, after the slugger posted a league-leading 40 home runs and slugged .525 in 159 games with the Baltimore Orioles last season.

“Our number one goal this off-season was to improve our offense, ideally by adding right-handed power, and with the addition of Nelson Cruz we think we’ve accomplished that goal,” Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said in a statement.

“He is an impact hitter that will bat in the middle of our line-up. Nelson has a track record as a middle of the order hitter on pennant contending clubs. He will be an asset on the field and in the clubhouse. Nelson’s presence in our clubhouse and as a teammate will continue to help our club advance to the next level. We see him as an ideal fit as we strive toward our goal of winning a World Championship.”

The 35-year-old Cruz appeared in the outfield for the Orioles 89 times last season but is expected to spend the majority of his time as the Mariners designated hitter, slotted behind fellow Dominican Robinson Cano.  

“I think you’ll see Robinson Cano get a lot better as well,” manager Lloyd McClendon told Bob Dutton of the News Tribune, “and Kyle Seager will drive in more runs as a result. Great players make other players better, and this guy is a great offensive player."

Cruz is one of seven players to hit at least 20 home runs in each of the last six seasons and he hopes his offense can help propel the Mariners to their first postseason appearance since 2001. 

“I am excited to join the Mariners,” Cruz said. “Watching Seattle play from the other side of the field, I know how close this team is to the post-season, and I am hopeful that I can help to get us there.”