Coming off an 89-win season that saw the San Diego Padres reach the NLCS, expectations were high riding into the start of 2023. But we haven’t seen the same level of performance from the Padres early on, struggling out to a 39-46 start.
Part of the problem has been a lackluster offense that came into the day 11th in the National League in runs. While the blame may not fall squarely on designated hitter Nelson Cruz’s shoulders, the 43-year-old future Hall of Famer hasn’t been part of the solution either.
Signed in the offseason on a one-year, $5 million contract, Cruz has now been designated for assignment by the Padres. He will now have the option of going down to the El Paso Chihuahuas, the team’s Triple-A affiliate, or opting out of his contract altogether, seeking a new MLB opportunity elsewhere. Teams may also add Cruz at his current rate of pay if they wish.
- Nelson Cruz’s stats this season: 5 HR, 23 RBI, 1 SB, .245/.283./.399/.681
We weren’t aware that Cruz managed to steal a base this season. That’s quite the feat.
As manager Bob Melvin mentioned, the Padres have a few other hitters, like Matt Carpenter who are relegated mostly to a DH-only role, and Cruz likely doesn’t even own a glove at this point. He’s played just eight innings in the field since 2018.
With 464 home runs in his career, Cruz ranks 37th all-time on the MLB career home run leaders list. He sits one behind Hall of Famer Dave Winfield. We’ll see if Cruz will get another chance to add to his totals soon enough as he looks to continue a 19-year MLB career thus far.