When your nickname is "Boomstick," does that mean you are built with power to last?
The Twins hope so. They reached an agreement with six-time All-Star designated hitter Nelson Cruz — who will turn 39 on July 1 — for a one-year contract worth a guaranteed $14.3 million, according to two major league sources. He will earn $14 million in 2019 with a club option worth $12 million for 2020, or a $300,000 buyout.
Cruz has to pass a physical before the deal is official. Scheduling that physical has been tricky with the holiday season, but the hope is that it will take place Friday.
The Astros and the Rays were the other finalists for Cruz's services, but the Twins' offer was best of three.
On his Twitter (@ncboomstick23) and Instagram accounts, Cruz posted a message that read, in part: "I would like to thank the Mariners ownership especially [owner] John [Stanton] for all you have done for me and my hometown, the organization, the coaching staff … and most importantly the fans for all of your support over the last four seasons. Seattle, you hold a special place in my heart as you embraced me from the start even when skeptics said I would not succeed in a pitcher friendly park.'
The native of the Dominican Republic later posted a photo of himself in a Twins uniform.
Cruz's relationship with Twins General Manager Thad Levine played a role in landing him. Both were with the Texas Rangers during their run to the World Series in 2010 and 2011. Cruz and Levine swapped several text messages during the recruiting process over the last few weeks, discussing the clubhouse culture more so than financial terms.
Another key figure in Cruz's recruitment to the Twin Cities has yet to play a game for the Twins. New second baseman Jonathan Schoop, who signed with the Twins on Dec. 6, knows Cruz from their one season together with Baltimore in 2014 — when Cruz led the American League with 40 home runs.