Potential Targets: Nelson Cruz

Target: Nelson Cruz, OF/DH

2013 stats: 109 games, .266 batting average, .327 on-base percentage, .506 slugging percentage, 27 home runs, 76 RBIs

This isn't your typical potential target. Obviously, Cruz is still "technically" a Ranger after spending the first eight full years of his career with the Rangers. Cruz was one of the Rangers top hitters in 2013, and had an all-star season before missing the final 50 games of the regular season due to his suspension for his involvement in the Biogenesis PED scandal. He was the club leader in home runs before his suspension, and still finished second on the team behind Adrian Beltre.

The Rangers acquired Alex Rios after the suspension, and control him for one more year with a club option in 2015. That would seemingly put Cruz in a primary designated hitter role, or possibly in left field. But the Rangers are definitely interested in their own free agent, who is seeking four years from clubs and could definitely get it. The Rangers are more in line with giving him two years with a third-year option. You'd have to think someone will give him four years as he's the biggest power bat on the market. The Seattle Mariners seem to be the frontrunner, as they load up on impact talent to contend with after signing Robinson Cano last week to a mega deal.

Cruz seemingly loves it in Texas, and would probably return if he could get comparable compensation. But the chances of no one giving Cruz the four years he's seeking don't seem too good.

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