Nelson Cruz, one of MLB’s finest designated hitters in the 2000s and 2010s, announced his retirement earlier this month.
He had a marvelous career, with 2,053 hits, 464 home runs, 1,325 RBI, four Silver Sluggers, and seven All-Star Games.
He was moderately productive this past season with the San Diego Padres even at 43 years old, hitting .245/.283/.399 in 152 plate appearances.
Instead of taking time to rest and recharge his batteries, Cruz is taking on an exciting new challenge with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“The Dodgers make a fabulous hire in Nelson Cruz, who becomes a front office advisor, as @TenchyRodNYC reported,” MLB insider Bob Nightengale tweeted.
The Dodgers make a fabulous hire in Nelson Cruz, who becomes a front office advisor, as @TenchyRodNYC reported.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 29, 2023
This isn’t the usual “former player goes to work in an advisor role for one of his former teams” situation: the Dodgers never employed Cruz as a player.
They must really like what he can offer from the front office level.
Cruz made a career for himself as a major leaguer, knew how to beat the odds, and became a late bloomer as a player, establishing himself as a prime slugger back in the day.
Along the way, however, he also showcased baseball smarts and communication skills that helped him fulfill important roles and assignments, such as being the general manager of the Dominican Republic national baseball team for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
He has won the Marvin Miller Man of the Year, the ESPYs Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award winner, and the Roberto Clemente Award: he is more than just a player.
The Dodgers are hoping he can put that baseball mind to great use with them.
The specifics of the new job aren’t yet known, but Cruz will remain close to the game he loves in a new role.
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