The San Diego Padres have once again had a bountiful offseason. The big-spending Padres acquired All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts earlier this offseason. San Diego isn’t stopping there, as they’ve reportedly sought out a member of the 400 Home Run Club.
San Diego is rumored to be interested in free-agent designated hitter Nelson Cruz.
Cruz has spent his career in several different places, but a move to San Diego would be the first for him in the National League West.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post tweeted, “Padres are among teams interested in Nelson Cruz. Padres GM AJ Preller and Cruz were in Texas together.”
Padres are among teams interested in Nelson Cruz. Padres GM AJ Preller and Cruz were in Texas together.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 10, 2023
Despite a reputation-tainting positive PED test, Cruz has still remained one of the best sluggers in MLB. He’s hit 459 home runs in his illustrious career, which has seen him as a seven-time All-Star selection. Cruz led the American League in home runs in 2014 with 40. He’s also earned the Silver Slugger Award four times in his career.
San Diego hopes to add more thunder to their already powerful lineup. The Padres feature Bogaerts, perennial MVP candidate Manny Machado, the great Juan Soto, and Jake Cronenworth, among others. It’s an All-Star cast and one that’s also set to include Fernando Tatis Jr. when he returns from a positive PED-induced suspension. Time will tell to see if a deal formulates between both sides.
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022