MLB Rumors: Seattle Mariners remain frontrunners to land Nelson Cruz
By Josh Hill
The Winter Meetings are heating up this week and as a result, so is the transaction wire. But while some deals are being made, it’s the ones that have yet to be made that hold our attention. Near the top of the list is free agent Nelson Cruz who recently rejected an offer from the Seattle Mariners, but that’s not keeping them from being favorites to land the slugger.
According to MLB.com insider Richard Justice, the Mariners are still believed to be the frontrunners to land Nelson Cruz this offseason.
"If you’re thinking Nelson Cruz is going to end up with the Seattle Mariners, you’re not alone. Plenty of baseball people have the same idea. In fact, it’s a marriage that makes so much sense it’s surprising it hasn’t happened already."
Justice goes on to point out a slew of reasons why the move makes sense, not the least of which is the improved lineup in Seattle since the Mariners last offered Cruz a deal. Logan Morrison and Corey Hart are both in town now and the M’s are still after Tampa Bay Rays ace David Price. Cruz could be the bat that puts the lineup over the top and in true contention for an AL West crown.
As it was pointed out by Justice, it’s unlikely that Cruz gets the $75 million contract he covets but a deal closer to the four-year/$60 million contract the New York Mets gave Curtis Granderson seems more realistic.
The situation is still fluid and it’s clear that the Texas Rangers want Cruz back and for him to not go to a division foe. Cruz hasn’t made a decision yet but the Mariners seem to control talks and may land the slugger sooner rather than later.