Nelson Cruz, the Super Mariner?

Nelson Cruz on Monday rejected the qualifying offer from the Texas Rangers.  Him and the other 12 players who rejected the qualifying offers are now free agents to test the market.

It was reported today that Nelson Cruz has gained interest from several clubs.  At the beginning of the day it was reported that the Philadelphia Phillies were tallking to Nelson Cruz, but there were also talking to Marlin Byrd.  Reports said that Cruz was asking for 5 years and $75 million.  At that rate, the Phillies passed and signed Byrd for 2 years at a total of $16 million.

Nelson Cruz is now on the radar for the Seattle Mariners.  Cruz won’t get the 5 years $75 million he is asking for.   Cruz will likely get a 3-4 year deal worth about 8-12 million.

The Mariners are wanting to get both Carlos Beltran and Nelson Cruz.  The Mariners need some impact players.  It appears they are wiling to spend some money to get them.

Jul 23, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz (17) slides in safe at home plate during the sixth inning of the game against the New York Yankees at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

From an earlier article on will Cruz return?

From 2006 to 2013, Nelson Cruz had a batting line of .268/.327/.495/.823.  He collected 774 hits, 171 doubles, 8 triples, 157 home runs and 489 RBIs over his 2,891 at-bats.  Besides for his 2 all-star game appearances, Nelson Cruz was the 2011 ALCS MVP.  Also, Cruz comes in 10th for the all-time Slugging average for the Texas Rangers.    Cruz has finished in the top 25 in the most home runs for the past 5 years.  In 2012, Cruz finished 4th in the doubles category with 45.For the 2013 season Nelson Cruz had a batting average of .266/.327/.506/.833.  Despite missing 50 games, his 110 hits, 18 doubles, 27 home runs and 76 RBIs puts him in the top 10 in most categories for the Texas Rangers.  He had the second most RBIs behind Adrian Beltre who had 92.