Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Featured > MLB Free Agency Rumors: Nelson Cruz Signs With Washington Nationals
FeaturedRumors

MLB Free Agency Rumors: Nelson Cruz Signs With Washington Nationals

Matthew Moreno
March 13, 2022
4 Min Read
Nelson Cruz
David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

The universal designated hitter being implemented as part of the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) figured to be of benefit for veteran sluggers, with Nelson Cruz and Albert Pujols among those already being impacted.

Cruz and Pujols have reportedly drawn interest from multiple National League teams, with the Los Angeles Dodgers linked to the former. Cruz additionally was connected to the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres, among others.

Cruz has spent the majority of his career playing left field or right field, if not serving as a DH. He made one start at first base for the Tampa Bay Rays last season.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the 41-year-old has agreed to sign with Washington Nationals:

Free-agent designated hitter Nelson Cruz in agreement with Nationals on one-year contract, pending physical, source tells @TheAthletic.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 14, 2022

Cruz joining the Nationals is a bit of a surprise as it was reported Sunday afternoon the Dodgers and Padres had emerged as the frontrunners.

Cruz spent the 2021 campaign with the Minnesota Twins and Rays, was named to the All-Star Game and hit a combined .265/.334/.497 with 21 doubles, 32 home runs and 86 RBI over 140 games.

Cruz named Roberto Clemente Award winner

During the World Series last year Cruz was named the winner of the 2021 Roberto Clemente Award, which is presented annually to the player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

“Luis, your dad, your foundation, his foundation, it has been so much important for us Latin players, and me, my family, my foundation, we’re really, really happy,” Cruz said during a press conference when he was presented with the award.

“It’s been a blessed day with the news to win the Roberto Clemente Award because so many players out there, they also do an incredible job. Like I said in the past, we understand that Roberto was the one who guided everybody, this is the way. Because of him, it seems like every player tries to do the same thing.

“I remember my first few years in the big leagues, I always see Michael Jordan doing the stuff, and that was one of the things I would say I want to do that one day. But growing up, my dad and my mom, they always involve events for the community, try to get the community better. Whatever it takes, whatever the needs, they find a way.

“Even today, they’re really involved in the community. That was an example that I followed to do the work that I do right now. So from the bottom of my heart, my family, my foundation, thanks everybody.”

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Los Angeles DodgersNelson CruzWashington Nationals
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Alex Vesia, 2024 World Series
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Alex Vesia And Evan Phillips Expected To Be Ready By Opening Day

December 20, 2024
December 20, 2024
Corey-seager-7
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Corey Seager Has Some Regret In Otherwise Enjoyable Home Run Derby Experience

July 12, 2016
July 12, 2016
Andy Pages
FeaturedGame Central

NLCS Game 2 Preview: Ryan Brasier Starts, Andy Pages In Dodgers Lineup

October 14, 2024
October 14, 2024
Gavin Stone, 2023 Spring Training
Dodgers Minor LeaguesFeatured

Michael Busch & Gavin Stone Among Dodgers Prospects On 2023 Triple-A Oklahoma City Opening Day Roster

March 31, 2023
April 1, 2023

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어