RADIO
Nelson Cruz 2019 Outlook: The Designated Hitter Minnesota Needs
6 years agoThe 2018 Twins had 11 players cycle through starts at designated hitter, but now for the first time in years they have their slugging, full-time DH in Nelson Cruz. Over the past five years, there have been few power hitters as consistent as Cruz, who has hit at least 35 home runs with 90 RBI each season. Last year, Cruz tied for ninth-most home runs in the majors with 37 long balls, although he also posted his lowest batting average (.256) since 2007 and his lowest OPS (.850) since 2013. While a decline in numbers as a 37-year-old might be a warning sign for owners, it appears Cruz may have simply dealt with some bad luck as outside of his .264 BABIP — his lowest mark since 2006 — all of his other rates and percentages were more or less in line with what he has done for the past few seasons. With the Twins adding some new pieces this off-season, and with the anticipation of a couple of key bounce-back performances, Cruz could be in line for a 40-home run, 100-RBI performance in 2019 — making him a must-own in all formats despite his DH-only status. Cruz remains a value in the ninth round of drafts.
