Front Page: Boomstick a No-Brainer: Twins Pick Up Nelson Cruz’s Option

[John Bonnes]

Jon Heyman of the MLB Network reported today that the Twins have picked up Nelson Cruz’s $12M contract option for 2020. The move is not a surprise, but it’s nice to inject a little positive forward-thinking news into the news cycle just 48 hours after being knocked out of the ALDS. Cruz hit .311 with 41 home runs, even while he was limited to just 120 games due to wrist tendon issues.The option, believe it or not, represents a cut in pay to Cruz. The 39-year-old signed a one-year deal last offseason with the Twins for $14M that also included a team option for $12M this year, which is what the Twins exercised. He responded with a 1.031 OPS for his new team, the highest of his 15-year career.

The move was expected, though perhaps not this soon, though there was no point in delaying it. In Twins Daily’s review of the Twins’ payroll situation, Cruz’s option was already included. The Twins still need to make some tougher decisions, such as whether to offer CJ Cron arbitration or extend a qualifying offer to Jake Odorizzi. Those decisions are not expected for a few weeks.

 

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[luckylager]

Step 1 to a successful off-season. 

[wabene]

Kiss Odorizzi's butt

 

edit: please and sign him, he's a leader on this team

[diehardtwinsfan]

yep... this was the easiest decision they had to make.

[Chachi]

Seems like he'd be a great fit as a coach in some capacity once he's done playing.  I hope he and the Twins are considering it.

[mdawg888]

What took so long?

[JadenPoint]

As expected and absolutely the right move.

[jmlease1]

The surprise would have been if they didn't exercise the option, which would have been an Anthony Carter-esque contract blunder. (the basketball player, that is)

 

I'd make Odorizzi the QO. Yes, $18M is more than I'd want to pay him (the projected QO), but I'd consider the jump on a 1-year deal and use as leverage to getting a 3 year deal that's better for both sides. We'll see. I think he's probably back next year.

 

Cron...tough call. He's a better player than his performance this year (the thumb injury clearly messed him up), but it's hard to get excited about dropping more $ on 1B when we have other guys in MLB who can play there and some promising minor league prospects that likely could replicate the production (or better) at a fraction of the cost.

 

But dang, I love having the boomstick back for another go!

[Strato Guy]

I think Odo,and Adrianza stay, but Castro, Schoop and Cron will not be back. I would not be surprised if they considered trading Rosario for pitching. 

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

I think Odo,and Adrianza stay, but Castro, Schoop and Cron will not be back. I would not be surprised if they considered trading Rosario for pitching. 

So who do you replace Cron with... I tend to agree about Odo and Adrianza… but there's no one in the system to replace Cron's production next year. He may be expensive, but unless you have a 1 year FA contract up your sleeve similar to Cruz (I haven't looked), I think Cron is back. 

[darin617]

I'm happy that Cruz will be back in 2020. I'm not sure how many AL teams would have been willing to go past $12M for him at his age and him being basically a full time DH.

 

Offer Odorizzi the QO so at the worst he accepts it and we are only stuck overpaying for 1 season over a 3-4 year deal. Odds are he might turn it down hoping for a long term deal. Which he won't get being tied to draft pick compensation.

 

Cron has got to go. The power is great for sure, but we can't have him back being a defensive liability. I would rather have an excellent glove that would hit .270 with 10-20 Hr.

[Strato Guy]

 

So who do you replace Cron with... I tend to agree about Odo and Adrianza… but there's no one in the system to replace Cron's production next year. He may be expensive, but unless you have a 1 year FA contract up your sleeve similar to Cruz (I haven't looked), I think Cron is back. 

To me, Cron is a 300 AB player. He is very good against LH pitchers, but average at best against righties. I think we can find someone to fill his spot at less cost. The Twins may sign someone on a 1 year contract, but Sano may switch over to 1B. Also, Rooker and Kirilloff are knocking on the doorstep.

[Aerodeliria]

I rather play Gonzales at first than Cron. He probably won't hit quite as many home runs, but it's hard to imagine him missing/dropping throws to first base, and over a full season, he would have a higher OBP than Cron. One would also avoid the righty/lefty conundrum that always becomes a point of discussion with Cron. 

[Twins1964]

I'm happy that Cruz will be back in 2020. I'm not sure how many AL teams would have been willing to go past $12M for him at his age and him being basically a full time DH. Offer Odorizzi the QO so at the worst he accepts it and we are only stuck overpaying for 1 season over a 3-4 year deal. Odds are he might turn it down hoping for a long term deal. Which he won't get being tied to draft pick compensation. Cron has got to go. The power is great for sure, but we can't have him back being a defensive liability. I would rather have an excellent glove that would hit .270 with 10-20 Hr.

Way off on all comments. I can’t think of any American League team not jumping at Cruz if he was available. You are not giving Odorizzi enough credit for what his marketability will be this off season. Cron is not a defensive liability. Strike three. Your out.

[wabene]

I think people are remembering Cron's miss in the playoffs and forgetting all the great defense he played this year. When healthy he was a contributor but I would consider an upgrade if possible.

[yarnivek1972]

A partial replacement for Cron could be Garver. He needs to be in the lineup more, period. With Cruz on board, DH is mostly covered. Marwin can cover some (or Sano depending on who makes more sense at third. Having a rotating first baseman is really no different than a rotating DH.

 

Rooker is another candidate for at bats. He’s almost 25. It’s now or not.