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MLB rumors: 5 favorites to trade for Nelson Cruz

By Eric Treuden

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 20: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Washington Nationals bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park on April 20, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 20: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Washington Nationals bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park on April 20, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 24: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Washington Nationals runs the base against the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park on April 24, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 24: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Washington Nationals runs the base against the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park on April 24, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Nelson Cruz trade rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers

In the Dodgers case, landing Cruz is more of a ‘why not?’ type of thing more than it is a full blown ‘need’ on the roster.

One of, if not the most positionally versatile teams in the major leagues, the Dodgers would be able to easily switch some pieces around to squeeze Cruz’s bat into the lineup. He would effectively clog the DH spot everyday since he is unable to play the field, but there are ways they could make it work.

As things stand right now, Chris Taylor has been functioning as the team’s everyday left fielder with Max Muncy slotted into the DH spot and Gavin Lux playing second. A trade for Cruz would likely push Muncy to second and have Lux/Taylor split time in left field while filling out their usual super-utility roles.

Nelson Cruz would look great in Dodger Blue and would fit nicely in a lineup already consisting of superstars Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Trea Turner. With the Dodgers having plenty of prospect depth to deal from, they could very easily swing a deal for the big time slugger.

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