July 14, 2023, 12:35 PM
The Toronto Blue Jays have shown interest in veteran free agent Nelson Cruz, per Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Cruz, 43, was designated for assignment by the San Diego Padres earlier this month after posting a .245/.283/.399 slash line in 49 games with the team. At this point in his career, Cruz is strictly a designated hitter. He has only played one inning defensively this season, at first base, and hasn’t played in the outfield since 2018.
A 19-year MLB veteran, Cruz has hit 464 career home runs — five in 2023 — with eight different teams. He is second among active players.
Despite struggling in 2023, Cruz put together a solid stretch to end his time in San Diego, hitting .263/.317/.447 after June 1.