Dodgers News: Nelson Cruz Off the Table For LA;Signs with Nationals

One DH option for the Dodgers is no longer any option. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, free agent Nelson Cruz had agreed to a one-year deal with the Washington Nationals.

Free-agent designated hitter Nelson Cruz in agreement with Nationals on one-year contract, pending physical, source tells @TheAthletic.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 14, 2022

Rosenthal reported that the deal is worth a guaranteed $13M and includes a mutual club option for the 2023 season. However, ESPN’s Enrique Rojas stated the deal differently. Either way, Cruz won’t be with the Dodgers.

Source: Nelson Cruz and the #Nationals have agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal, a source told ESPN Digital. @TenchyRodNYC was the first.
The contract includes a mutual option. Cruz will earn $12 in 2022 and will receive another $3M if the club does not exercise option. https://t.co/K9O5nVAfp8

— Enrique Rojas/ESPN (@Enrique_Rojas1) March 14, 2022

As of yesterday, it was reported that there were about eight teams interested in Cruz. Per reports, the majority of interested clubs were National League teams hoping to take advantage of universal DH. 

Last season, Cruz produced a .832 OPS playing primarily in the DH spot. He finished the season with the Tampa Bay Rays after being traded at the deadline by the Minnesota Twins. 

The Dodgers could possibly pivot to Jorge Soler or Albert Pujols now that Cruz is no longer on the market. 

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