Dodgers Hire Former Slugger Nelson Cruz in Adviser Role

After 19 years in Major League Baseball, Nelson Cruz is calling it a career — at least as a player.

Cruz, who hit 464 home runs in his career with a .274 batting average between his 19 seasons, has been hired by the Dodgers as an adviser expected to work predominately out of the team’s academy in the Dominican Republic, where Cruz is originally from.

Cruz is fresh off of a five-game stint with the Gigantes del Cibae of the Dominican Winter League following the announcement of his retirement after spending the 2023 season in San Diego. Cruz spent the bulk of his career with the Texas Rangers and played for 10 teams total — but never for the Dodgers.

Cruz was a seven-time All-Star, a four-time Silver Slugger and won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2021 for his outstanding commitment to philanthropy.

The Dodgers have not officially announced Cruz’s hiring. Dominican baseball reporter Tenchy Rodriguez first reported the news.

Cruz should have a huge impact on the players the Dodgers are bringing up, especially from the Dominican Republic. He also should be a big help in recruiting.