MLB Rumors: AL East Contender Interested In Free Agent Nelson Cruz

After being DFA'd and released by the San Diego Padres this past week, one might start to wonder if it was the end of the line for 43-year-old Nelson Cruz. After all, he'd only managed to hit five home runs with a .681 OPS (nearly 200 points below his career mark) this season.

But according to a report, at least one contender is looking at bringing in the 19-year veteran free agent, with his 464-HR resume.

As #BlueJays consider ways to add offensively, they’ve shown some interest in Nelson Cruz, per source. Cruz, 43, is a free agent after being DFA by Padres. Jays’ 40-man is full but they’ll need to open spots soon so some churn is coming.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) July 14, 2023

Insider Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays have shown interest in the seemingly ageless slugger.

Cruz would add another power bat to the ride sight for the Jays, but one would have to wonder how they would squeeze him into the lineup. Cruz is strictly a DH, and Toronto already has 35-year-old Brandon Belt taking up that spot half the time, while also using it to give the likes of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer and Alejandro Kirk a break from the rigors of the field on occasion.

Perhaps they'd be looking at a strict platoon at DH between the left-handed hitting Belt and the righty Cruz, but that would mean the others would get far fewer "days off" as the DH.

Toronto would also have to open up a roster spot on the 40-man. We'll keep an eye on this evolving situation to see if it comes to fruition.

Photo: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports