Nelson Cruz is heading to Tampa Bay. Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Twins trade seven-time All-Star Nelson Cruz to the Tampa Bay Rays

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 7/22/21

Minnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz is among the biggest names on the MLB trade block with the deadline quickly approaching next week.

It now looks like the veteran slugger is on the move. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Tampa Bay Rays are finalizing a deal to acquire the 41-year-old Cruz from their American League rivals.

BREAKING: The Tampa Bay Rays are finalizing a deal to acquire slugger Nelson Cruz from the Minnesota Twins, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 22, 2021

Despite his advanced age, Nelson Cruz is in the midst of yet another solid season. The seven-time All-Star is hitting .294 with 19 homers and 50 RBI in 85 games this season. He also boasts a .921 OPS and a 155 OPS+ while being in the top 5 percent of MLB in average exit velocity (93.4 mph), maximum exit velocity (116.6 mph) and hard-hit percentage (54.0 percent).

For the second-place Rays, this could act as a major boon in their lineup. Star youngster Austin Meadows has seen a majority of the team at designated hitter this season. However, he has in the past been strictly an outfielder.

Currently boasting a 57-39 record, only four members of the Rays offense have tallied double-digit homers on the season. Adding Nelson Cruz and his 436 career homers is going to be big.

It’s not yet known what Minnesota has received in return. We’ll provide further updates when they become available.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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