Orioles Sign Free Agent OF Nelson Cruz
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Free agent outfielder Nelson Cruz has been signed to a one-year contract.
Cruz is a two-time American League All-Star and has hit at least 22 home runs in each of the last five seasons. He's one of 13 hitters with 20 or more long balls in each of those seasons.
Cruz has batted .278/.336/.683 with 14 home runs in 34 postseason games (137 plate appearances), ranking fifth all-time in playoff history in slugging percentage and tied for 11th in home runs. He was named MVP of the 2011 American League Championship Series against Detroit, batting .364/.440/1.273 with six home runs in six games, helping Texas reach the World Series for the second straight year.
To make room for Cruz, LHP Chris Jones has been designated for assignment.