The Minnesota Twins have picked up Nelson Cruz's option for 2020, according to multiple reports.
The 39-year-old Cruz signed a $14 million contract in January that included an option year for $12 million. Cruz said after the Twins' loss to the Yankees in the ALDS that he wanted to return rather than test free agency.
“Definitely, I want to be back,” Cruz said after the ALDS. “I don't have that call, but hopefully, they can pick up the option. The future looks really bright for us, so I want to be part of winning teams for many years.”
The designated hitter enjoyed a career season in 2019, slugging 41 home runs with a career-high 1.031 OPS despite being limited by injuries to 120 games. He has hit at least 35 home runs each of the last six seasons.
Thanks in part to Cruz, the Twins set an MLB team record with 307 home runs in 2019.
Beyond the big bat, however, Cruz also served as a mentor to younger players in the clubhouse.
“He leads in a lot of different ways,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “He leads by example. When he walks in the clubhouse every day, he's got a big smile on his face. Guys are drawn to him. Like I said, he brings it on the field, but he brings it everywhere else, too. He's a wonderful human being. Guys want to be like him. I believe that.”