The Universal DH’s Return Should Open Additional Doors for Nelson Cruz
Defying father time, slugger Nelson Cruz doesn’t appear ready to hang up his cleats for good just yet. Though he remains a free agent, the 41-year-old should receive plenty of interest once the lockout ends.
Set to enter his 18th major league campaign, Cruz seems determined to play well into his 40s – something most players can only dream of. But up to this point, he’s largely only garnered attention from the American League as he’s limited to the designated hitter position.
Luckily, things are expected to change in that department moving forward with the universal DH’s highly-anticipated return in 2022.
On Thursday, while addressing the media, commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed both the players and owners have agreed to include a universal DH in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement – whenever it’s eventually signed.
Presuming this development comes to fruition, pitchers will no longer be required to hit in the National League, which quite frankly, should’ve changed years ago. As a result, 15 new jobs would open immediately- one DH spot per team – adding to the sport’s level of competition.
For Cruz, along with a few other DH-only players, this would essentially double their market as they’d no longer be confined to just half the major league ball clubs. Rather than receiving interest from just 15 teams, these types of hitters can now attract attention from all 30 clubs.
As things currently stand, a reunion with the Tampa Bay Rays doesn’t seem likely for the 6’2” veteran, as they’ll probably opt to run several batters through that spot next season rather than just one.
Admittedly, times have changed when it comes to how franchises utilize the DH position. Unlike during future Hall-of-Famer David Ortiz’s career, featuring a full-time DH has become fairly uncommon in this current era.
In most cases, coaching staffs now prefer to rotate players through the spot over the course of a 162-game season. This way, they’re able to keep hitters fresh and less fatigued, especially when someone who’s recently returned from injury is involved.
Despite this evolution, there’s still a home for Cruz in the sport, mainly because he’s remained productive throughout the later stages of his career. Proving age is just a number, the seven-time All-Star enjoyed another strong offensive performance last season, where his power acted as a difference-maker once again.
Through 584 plate appearances, the four-time Silver Slugger Award winner posted 32 home runs, 86 RBIs, a .232 ISO, a .346 wOBA, a 122 wRC+ score and slashed .265/.334/.497 across 140 games.
Additionally, the right-hander also generated a remarkable 52.0 per cent hard-hit rate, which was the second highest of his career since tracking began in 2015.
Understandably, Cruz’s effectiveness dropped off slightly during his age-40 season, as he recorded his lowest wRC+ score since 2013 (122). Still, even at his age, he served as a well-above-average run producer – that’s no small feat.
With the universal DH coming back into play, the slugger who owns the most round-trippers (292) and the third-most RBIs (749) since 2014, shouldn’t have any shortage of potential suitors. As the third-oldest player in the majors, with Albert Pujols, 42, currently atop that list, he’ll almost certainly be seeking another short-term deal.
Coming off a one-year, $13.0-million contract, chances are Cruz’s demands will be in a similar range this time around. Considering he registered a 2.0 fWAR rating in ‘21, that seems like a pretty reasonable asking price.
Expanding his market beyond the AL, most of the NL will undoubtedly be interested in Cruz’s services in some form once free agency resumes.
In particular, organizations like the San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and potentially the Cincinnati Reds would each benefit from acquiring the 2011 ALCS MVP.
At this stage of Cruz’s career, however, aligning himself with a championship contender will likely serve as a determining factor this winter. With that in mind, it’d make the most sense for the Giants, Dodgers, Padres and Brewers to be his preferred destinations.
Whichever franchise ultimately lands his services, there’s no doubt the Dominican native will be determined to capture his first championship ring – something that eluded him while making consecutive World Series appearances with the Texas Rangers from 2010-2011.
Looking beyond 2022, the odds of Cruz playing into his mid-40s or later were largely considered average at best. But now, thanks to the universal DH, he’ll almost certainly be able to extend his playing days for as long as he chooses.
Assuming Cruz stays healthy and effective, he’ll continue receiving major league offers and should eventually receive an opportunity to end his professional career on his own terms.
But as long as his drive to compete remains, his retirement announcement is probably still at least a few years away. In the meantime, the veteran slugger will attempt to continue adding to his already incredible legacy.
If there’s one thing Cruz hopes to achieve before his career ends, without question, it’d be finally capturing a World Series title. While difficult, especially at his age, it’s certainly not impossible.
With newfound opportunities awaiting in the NL, riding off into the sunset with a championship ring around his finger might not be as far-fetched as it once seemed.
-Thomas Hall
Twitter: @ThomasHall85