The Minnesota Twins and free-agent Nelson Cruz have eportedly resumed contract talks after the two sides had a “staring contest” during the negotiation process.
According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, talks have resumed on a new deal after the 41-year-old’s contract expired, but the Twins haven’t pursued the designated hitter aggressively this winter.
Hayes cites that the Twins have multiple reasons for this including Cruz’s age. While Cruz hit .303 with 16 HR and 33 RBI last season, there are questions about how long Cruz can keep up his elite production at the plate.
There’s also Cruz’s demands which were reported to seek a two-year deal from the Twins. With Cruz also waiting on MLB’s ruling on using the designated hitter in the National League, talks naturally slowed down.
The good news for the Twins is that the momentum of using the DH in the NL has slowed and Cruz’s market should be consolidated to teams in the American League.
During the team’s virtual TwinsFest this weekend, President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey described the discussions between Cruz and the team as “happy and productive,” but Hayes reported that no deal is imminent.
