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Now that the National League is implementing the designated hitter, they can offer aging stars more chances to contribute. The new rule gives teams lineup flexibility and a noticeably increased offensive output. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to replace hitting in their playoff core while the San Diego Padres are looking to break through to the postseason.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the NL West rivals are fighting for the same big bat. The Dodgers and Padres are the final choices for 41-year-old slugger Nelson Cruz. Several teams have pursued the seven-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger.
Nelson Cruz is close to making a decision, and it appears to be down to the Dodgers and Padres, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) March 13, 2022
Cruz his 32 home runs between the Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays last season. His slugging percentage was .497 across 513 at-bats last season and he has posted a slugging percentage of at least .500 in the eight prior seasons. He remains among the very best hitters in baseball and is a perfect fit at the DH spot.
The Dodgers are in need of power-hitting now that shortstop Corey Seager left in free agency for the Texas Rangers. They have been in pursuit of Atlanta Braves sluggers Freddie Freeman and Jorge Soler.
The Padres strongly pursued Cruz during last season but the inability to play him at DH hampered them. Now that the position is universal, San Diego could finish what they started and sign him.
Both the Padres and Dodgers could be among the best teams in MLB next season and would have a much better chance with Cruz in their lineups.
