SAN DIEGO – The Padres have added some much-needed power to their batting order by signing seven-time All-Star Nelson Cruz to a one-year contract, President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller announced today.
Cruz, who turns 43 in July, was the designated hitter for the Washington Nationals in 2022, where he recorded a team-leading 64 RBI, 10 home runs, 16 doubles, 50 runs scored, and 49 walks. He will reunite with his former teammates Manny Machado and Juan Soto and bring his veteran leadership to a young Padres squad that is looking to make a deeper postseason run in 2023.
Cruz’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. Over 18 Major League seasons with various teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, and Nationals, the four-time Silver Slugger Award winner and 2021 Roberto Clemente Award recipient has posted a .274 batting average with 459 home runs, 1,302 RBI, and 1,081 runs scored in 2,006 career games. Since turning 30 on July 1, 2010, Cruz has hit 394 home runs, which is the fifth most in Major League Baseball history of any player since they turned 30, trailing just Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth, Rafael Palmeiro, and Hank Aaron. Cruz’s 459 home runs are second most among all active players, and his 2,006 career games played are third-most among active players.
Cruz’s skills have been on full display in the postseason. He has made seven career postseason runs, including two World Series appearances with the Texas Rangers in 2010 and 2011. In 50 games between 12 postseason series, he has posted a .278 average with 18 home runs and 38 RBI, making him one of the most dangerous hitters in October.
Adding Cruz to the Padres’ already talented roster sets up a potentially potent offense that could carry the team deep into the postseason.
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