Could Former Texas Rangers Slugger Nelson Cruz Return to AL West?

The San Diego Padres have put former Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz in position to become a free agent.

Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Padres designated former Texas Rangers slugger Nelson Cruz for assignment on Sunday, likely ending his time with the struggling club. 

The Padres now have seven days to trade, waive or assign Cruz to an affiliate. Cruz can also refuse the assignment and become a free agent. 

ESPN baseball reporter Jeff Passan,speaking on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk was asked about Cruz possible reuniting with the Seattle Mariners, where he played from 2015-18.

“I’ve been doubting Nelson Cruz’s ability to continue playing and playing at the level that he has until last year for a long time now, and he always proves me wrong,” Passan said. “I think if Mike Ford weren’t doing what he was doing, maybe there would be a match.”

Cruz, a 19-year veteran, broke in with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2005 and arrived in Texas the following season. He spent eight years with the Rangers, where he batted .268 with 157 home runs and 489 RBI. He was part of the Rangers' 2010 and 2011 World Series teams and was an ALCS MVP.

The seven-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger winner has also played with the Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals before joining the Padres this season. 

Cruz may be hoping to hook up with another team as he's in pursuit of one of baseball's big career benchmarks — 500 home runs. He has 464 career home runs, though this season he's only hit five, while driving in 23 runs with a .245 batting average. 

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