Nationals DH Nelson Cruz reportedly on Mets' 'radar'

Washington Nationals designated hitter Nelson Cruz Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Nationals slugger Nelson Cruz on Mets' 'radar'

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 7/7/22

The New York Mets currently lead the National League East division, but the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are slowly sneaking up.

With the August 2 traded deadline right around the corner, the Mets are reportedly looking to improve their lineup with a big bat. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets have their sights set on Washington Nationals slugger Nelson Cruz.

Cruz could be a fit for Mets, who may not want to give up the prospects it would take to get Josh Bell. Many more Mets notes. https://t.co/2Y3474WJ86
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 7, 2022

"The Mets' biggest need is a hitter, as Dom Smith hasn't found his 2020 magic (though he's better lately) and J.D. Davis isn't as good as his peripheral numbers suggest," Heyman wrote . "So the great Nelson Cruz is on their radar. Cruz's Nationals teammate Josh Bell would cost a big prospect, so Cruz makes sense for them."

The Nationals may be active ahead of the trade deadline, and Cruz could be one of their most valuable assets. Washington currently has the second-worst record in the National League at 30-55, ahead of only the Cincinnati Reds (28-54).

Cruz, 42, signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Nationals at the start of the season.

In his 18th MLB season, Cruz is batting .241/.322/.369 with eight home runs and 46 points in 76 games.

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