Adrian Beltre had a horribly disappointing, injury-filled season in 2009 with the Seattle Mariners in a contract year. He wanted a big deal that following offseason, but couldn't get it. So he adjusted his ask.
Beltre took a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox for $9 million in 2010 and had a huge season before landing a five-year contract with the Texas Rangers prior to the 2011 season, a deal that has become a great bargain for the Rangers.
Maybe Nelson Cruz should consider doing the same thing.
The free agent outfielder from the Rangers is coming off a near-career year which saw him get popped for PED use and suspended for the final 50 games of the season. He's also got a history of hamstring and quad injuries, and he's very shaky defensively.
He's currently seeking a four-year deal in the $75 million range, and it seems highly unlikely he'll get that, moreso because of the term than the money, even though he is the best power bat on the free agent market this winter.
Rotowire reported Cruz is considering taking the one-year option, but there is some risk involved. If Cruz has a great year, then perfect, he gets a huge deal next winter. But what if he has another injury-plagued season or his production drops dramatically? Then he might not ever get another long-term deal.
Would the Rangers be interested in a one-year deal for Cruz? Not sure, but they should be. This team can't pile up enough bats, and having Cruz as a DH/corner-outfield option would be nice, especially on a one-year term. One year for $10-12 million would look mighty fine in the Rangers' lineup.
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Just depends if everyone stands strong and doesn't bite on a multi-year deal. We'll know soon enough.
