After re-signing Kyle Seager, the Mariners made it clear that they are committed to going on serious runs for the next half decade. This will be the 3rd consecutive year that the Mariners committed 100 million dollars or more to a single player. Over the weekend they were able to add another piece that could shift their line-up from idle into drive. With the signing of Nelson Cruz to a 4-year $57-million contract, the Mariners have locked up one of the best power hitters of the past few years.
Despite serving a 50-game suspension for PED use, Cruz still ranks 5th in home runs since 2011 with 120. Moreover he was able to come off that suspension and hit an MLB best 40 home runs in 2014. Presuming he has now come back a clean, more focused, and motivated player, Cruz represents an elite class of power hitters that is as small as it has ever been (at least in the last 20 years or so).
Nelson Cruz Statistics
Potential Mariners Line-up
| 1. Austin Jackson, CF | .336 Career OBP, 20 stolen bases in 3 of 4 seasons, 44 triples in 4 seasons (2nd MLB). |
| 2. Kyle Seager, 3B | Averaging 33 2B and 22 HR a season (4th year), .788 OPS in 2014, slashline averages have improved every season. |
| 3. Robinson Cano, 2B | .314/.382/.454 in 2014, still an elite batter despite dip in power since leaving Yankee Stadium, placed 5th in MVP voting. |
| 4. Nelson Cruz, DH | Led majors in 2014 with 40 HR, and finished top 5 in RBI and total bases, placed 7th in MVP voting. |
| 5. Logan Morrison, 1B | Yet to play a full MLB season, but stll coming off his best statistical year with a .262/.315/.420 slashline. |
| 6. Mike Zunino, C | Recorded 20 2B, 22 HR, and 60 RBI in 131 games this year, though managed just a .199/.254/.404 slashline. |
| 7. Michael Saunders, RF | Was on pace for breakout year with a .273/.341/.450 slashline in 263 PA, but injuries forced him to the bench and DL. |
| 8. Dustin Ackley, LF | Hit around his career averages of .245/.309/.366 with a .245/.293/.398 slashline in 2014. |
| 9. Brad Miller, SS | In 746 career PA dating back to 2013, he has a slashline of .241/.302/.389 with 72 RBI. |