Neat autograph that I was able to get in person during the 2016 season.
Nelson Cruz got on my radar back in the early 2000s when he was traded by the Mets to the Athletics for Jorge Velandia. But like so many A’s prospects during that time, he never made the majors with Oakland, getting traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for Keith Ginter in 2004.
Since making the majors in 2005 he has been one of the most consistent sluggers in the game. Over 14 seasons he has a line of .274/.342/.518 with a 129 OPS+. He has whacked 360 career homers. During this period he has been selected to six All-Star games, won two Silver Sluggers and was the 2011 ALCS MVP.
He is coming into his age-38 season, but he is also coming off one of his stronger campaigns in 2018. There is no reason to think he does not at least have a couple more seasons in him.