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Seattle Mariners: The M’s should re-sign Nelson Cruz

By Matt Barry

SEATTLE, WA - AUGUST 05: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Seattle Mariners hits a two-run home run in the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Safeco Field on August 5, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - AUGUST 05: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Seattle Mariners hits a two-run home run in the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Safeco Field on August 5, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /
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Seattle Mariners
SEATTLE, WA: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on August 31, 2014. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Not a buyers market for power

So what do the Mariners do? Cruz should give Seattle a chance in free agency and fortunately for the Mariners, the heavy hitters may not be in the market for a middle of the order bat in the 15 or so million dollar range. The Yankees, Boston, and Chicago would probably be out on Cruz while the Angels are planning a huge lifetime deal with Mike Trout. Houston on a short-term deal with the potential to win a title might attract Cruz.

In Seattle’s case, they should offer a solid two-year contract to Cruz. There is some optimism around the team after being in the wild card race for much of 2018. Cruz would still provide pop in the order and protection for the rest of the lineup.

Without Cruz, the Mariners would have to fill the void and that will not be that easy to do. They certainly will not be in the Bryce Harper or Manny Machado free agency lotteries. Free agents such as Andrew McCutchen and Josh Donaldson do not strike very much fear in AL West opponents.

If Cruz would consider a two-year deal at maybe $36 million then the Mariners should get that done. To be serious contenders with Houston and Oakland, the M’s will need his bat in the lineup. GM Jerry Dipoto could then add a starter to go with James Paxton at the top of the rotation.

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