Would Nelson Cruz be a good fit for the Jays?
According to a report by Ben Nicholson-Smith, a trusted sports source, there is news emerging about the Toronto Blue Jays expressing some interest in Nelson Cruz. Cruz, a free agent, was designated for assignment by the Padres earlier this season. With 143 at-bats, he managed to secure 35 hits, five home runs, 23 runs batted in, and even stole one base, while maintaining a batting average of .245 and an OPS of .682.
Does Cruz fit into the Blue Jays' lineup? In my opinion, the answer is no. There are several factors to consider, starting with the fact that Cruz is 43 years old and has a history of injuries. This season alone, he suffered a hamstring injury, and last year, a knee injury. He has also dealt with back issues. Given his age, these concerns become even more significant.
Another crucial aspect to ponder is Cruz's playing position. He is primarily a designated hitter (DH) and does not field. Therefore, if he were added to the roster as the DH, it would mean removing someone like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Brandon Belt from the lineup. One might argue that the team already has a player like Belt, making Cruz's addition unnecessary.
However, there could be a plausible reason behind the Blue Jays' interest in Cruz. Perhaps they are considering acquiring him at a reasonable cost, with the intention of making a substantial trade. It seems unlikely that Belt would be the player involved in such a trade, as it would be counterproductive to bring in a rental player only to trade another rental. Currently, Belt holds more value than Cruz. Nevertheless, this scenario could be the sole reason for the Blue Jays' pursuit of Cruz.
Cruz's power-hitting ability is undoubtedly attractive. It could provide a boost off the bench, which the Jays could benefit from. However, it is worth noting that Cruz only hit 10 home runs last year, which is not particularly impressive. In the previous season, he played for two different teams and managed to hit around 30 home runs. Yet, as we all know, age and injuries catch up with every player, potentially affecting their power production.
While the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly showing interest in Nelson Cruz, it remains questionable whether he truly fits into their lineup. His age, injury history, and limited defensive capabilities raise concerns. The possibility of using him as part of a larger trade might be the primary motivation behind their pursuit. Cruz's power-hitting prowess cannot be denied, but recent seasons have shown a decline in his home run production. Ultimately, time will reveal whether the Blue Jays decide to pursue this acquisition and if Cruz can still generate the same power he once displayed.
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