Report: Twins, Cruz agree to 1-year, $13M contract

The Boomstick has rejoined the Bomba Squad.

The Minnesota Twins reached an agreement with veteran designated hitter Nelson Cruz on a one-year, $13-million contract, sources told Dan Hayes of The Athletic.

Cruz will now return for a third season with the Twins, where he's become a vital part of their powerful offense and an important clubhouse leader. Since arriving in Minnesota in 2019, the 40-year-old has hit .308/.394/.626 with 57 homers and 141 RBIs while winning two Silver Sluggers and named DH of the Year in 2019.

Last season, he finished sixth in AL MVP voting after posting a .992 OPS with 16 home runs in 214 plate appearances for the AL Central champion Twins.

There was mutual interest in a reunion all winter, but it took time for the Twins and Cruz to find common ground. Talks between the sides reportedly only picked up over the weekend.

Cruz's free-agent market was also likely impacted by the continued uncertainty surrounding the universal designated hitter.