Nelson Cruz

Nelson Cruz signed a 1-day contract to retire with the Seattle Mariners.

Fantasy Impact

Cruz signed a contract after he threw out the first pitch to Felix Hernandez on Opening Day in Seattle on Thursday. Cruz spent four seasons with the Mariners, crushing 43+ home runs in two of them.

Outfielder/designated hitter Nelson Cruz says he will retire from professional baseball following a stint in the Dominican Winter League in 2023.

Fantasy Impact

It appears Father Time has finally caught up with the 43-year-old Cruz who didn't return to the big leagues after being cut loose by the Padres in July. He will hang up his cleats after 2,055 big-league appearances in which he slugged 464 home runs with 1,325 RBI between the Brewers, Rangers, Orioles, Mariners, Twins, Rays, Nationals, and Padres.

Veteran free agent Nelson Cruz is being considered as a possibility by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Fantasy Impact

Cruz was designated for assignment and subsequently released by the Padres and resides as a free agent as a result. It's a solid fit between the 43-year-old and a Blue Jays club that is tied for 22nd with a .308 wOBA against left-handed pitching. Cruz scuffled to a .245 average with five homers and a .682 OPS across 49 games with the Padres but owns a lifetime .928 OPS against southpaw pitching.

The Padres designated Nelson Cruz for assignment.

Fantasy Impact

Cruz has slashed .245/.283/.399 with five home runs across 152 plate appearances this season. He should draw some interest as a veteran leader with another team.

Padres designated hitter Nelson Cruz is on the bench Wednesday night against the Pirates.

Fantasy Impact

As is often the case, Cruz will sit against a right-handed pitcher in the Pirates' Mitch Keller while Matt Carpenter handles DH duties. Cruz had a pair of hits and an RBI on Tuesday and is now hitting .250 with five home runs and a .709 OPS across 141 plate appearances this season.