Nelson Cruz hasn’t discussed an extension with the Baltimore Orioles recently
By Ed Carroll
Despite earlier rumors, Nelson Cruz said he hasn’t discussed a contract extension with the Baltimore Orioles recently, and is focused on winning a World Series right now, not his contract.
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The Baltimore Orioles already extended J.J. Hardy on Thursday and there were rumors he and the Orioles were close on a deal. Unfortunately for Baltimore fans, while the team and Cruz discussed a contract earlier in the season, they haven’t had any talks in awhile:
Nelson Cruz said there have been no recent "serious" extension talks with #Orioles. Said want to concentrate on winning World Series.
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) October 9, 2014
It’s probably more surprising the Orioles were able to extend Hardy during the playoffs than Cruz not wanting to deal with any potential negotiations until after the postseason. But it’s no surprise that Baltimore would be interested in keeping Cruz, who enjoyed a solid season with the birds, slugging 40 home runs for the AL East champions.
Baltimore is hosting the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series, with Game One on October 11. With a good postseason, Cruz might be able to squeeze a few more dollars out of the Orioles come contract talks, but it’s unlikely to have a major impact on his value. The 34-year old’s 3.9 fWAR in 2014 was the second-best of his career, following 4.9 wins above replacement in 2010 for the Texas Rangers.
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