Cruz signs with Mariners
The Baltimore Orioles lost their 2014 home run leader in Nelson Cruz as Cruz has agreed to terms with the Seattle Mariners. Cruz agreed to a four-year $58 million deal pending a physical.
Cruz stated that he wanted to stay with the Orioles and the Orioles offered him a deal. Cruz decided to let the market play out. The Mariners have a less hitters friendly ball park than Camden Yards so it is unlikely that the aging slugger will have a repeat 40 home run season.
The Orioles got a great value for Cruz and will get back a draft pick for losing him in free agency. Cruz signed with the Orioles in late spring for only $8.5 million and far exceeded his contract.
The Orioles will need to find a way to replace Cruz’s production.