Mariners To Sign Nelson Cruz to four-year deal

The Seattle Mariners and free-agent slugger Nelson Cruz have reached an agreement on a four-year, $57 million deal that also includes a $1 million signing bonus. The deal was first reported by ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick. The deal is pending a physical.

The 34 year old Cruz led the majors with 40 home runs and finished third in the American League with 108 RBIs, after signing a one year deal worth $8 million with the Baltimore Orioles last February.

The Orioles made a one-year qualifying offer of $15.3 million to Cruz for 2015, which he rejected, and will receive draft pick compensation from the Mariners.

Safeco Field is not nearly as hitter friendly as Camden Yards so some regression is likely. Steamer has Cruz projected for +1.5 WAR in 637 plate appearances in 2015, based on a 119 wRC+ and minimal defensive value.

In 52 career games at Safeco Field, Cruz has a .234 average, .440 slugging percentage, .749 OPS, nine home runs, 11 doubles and 19 RBI.

Cruz has previously played with the Milwaukee Brewers (eight games in 2005) and Texas Rangers (2006-2013).