The San Diego Padres designated veteran slugger Nelson Cruz for assignment on Tuesday. The move comes after Cruz struggled to a .245/.283/.399 slash line with five home runs and 23 RBIs in 49 games this season. The seven-time All-Star struck out a career-high 30.3% of the time across 152 plate appearances.
Cruz joined the Padres on a one-year, $1-million contract in the offseason. He was one of a handful of notable additions in the offseason as the franchise loaded up to make a run at its first World Series. However, the Padres have struggled this season, currently sitting in third place in the National League West.
Cruz's DFA is not a surprise. He had been struggling for most of the season, and the Padres were likely looking to make a change. The team has a number of young players who are ready to contribute at the major league level, and Cruz's spot on the roster is no longer guaranteed.
Cruz is still a productive hitter, but he is 43 years old and his production has declined in recent years. He is also a free agent at the end of the season, so the Padres may not want to commit to him for another year.
It is unclear what will happen to Cruz next. He could be traded to another team, or he could be released. If he is released, he will likely sign with a contender for a playoff run.
Cruz's DFA is a sign that the Padres are not satisfied with their current situation. They are looking to make a change, and Cruz's spot on the roster was the first to go. It will be interesting to see what other moves the Padres make in the coming weeks.
Impact on the Padres
The Padres' decision to designate Cruz for assignment will have a significant impact on the team. Cruz was one of the team's most experienced hitters, and his absence will be felt in the lineup. The team will need to find a replacement for Cruz, and it is unclear who that will be.
The Padres also have to consider the financial implications of Cruz's DFA. Cruz is owed the remainder of his $1-million contract, which is about $300,000. The team will have to pay that money even if they trade or release Cruz.
Impact on Cruz
Cruz's DFA is also a significant event for him personally. He is a 43-year-old veteran who is still playing at a high level. He is likely to be picked up by another team, but it is unclear where he will go.
Cruz is also a free agent at the end of the season. He will be looking for a new contract, and his DFA could hurt his chances of getting a big payday.
Overall
The Padres' decision to designate Cruz for assignment is a significant move. It will have a major impact on the team, and it could also have a significant impact on Cruz's career. It will be interesting to see how the Padres fill Cruz's spot in the lineup, and it will also be interesting to see what happens to Cruz next.
