View source for Nelson Cruz

{{short description|Dominican baseball player (born 1980)}}
{{Distinguish|text=his sister, politician [[Nelsy Cruz]]}}
{{Other people|Nelson Cruz|Nelson Cruz (disambiguation)}}
{{Family name hatnote|Cruz|Martínez|lang=Spanish}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name        = Nelson Cruz
|image       = Nelson Cruz on May 19, 2015.jpg
|width       = 250
|caption     = Cruz with the Seattle Mariners in 2015
|position    = [[Designated hitter]] / [[Right fielder]]
|bats        = Right
|throws      = Right
|birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1980|7|1}}
|birth_place = [[Las Matas de Santa Cruz]], [[Dominican Republic]]
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate   = September 17
|debutyear   = 2005
|debutteam   = Milwaukee Brewers
|finalleague = MLB
|finaldate   = July 3
|finalyear   = 2023
|finalteam   = San Diego Padres 
|statleague  = MLB
|stat1label  = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
|stat1value  = .274
|stat2label  = [[Hit (baseball)|Hits]]
|stat2value  = 2,053
|stat3label  = [[Home run]]s
|stat3value  = 464
|stat4label  = [[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
|stat4value  = 1,325
|teams       =
*[[Milwaukee Brewers]] ({{mlby|2005}})
*[[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] ({{mlby|2006}}–{{mlby|2013}})
*[[Baltimore Orioles]] ({{mlby|2014}})
*[[Seattle Mariners]] ({{mlby|2015}}–{{mlby|2018}})
*[[Minnesota Twins]] ({{mlby|2019}}–{{mlby|2021}})
*[[Tampa Bay Rays]] ({{mlby|2021}})
*[[Washington Nationals]] ({{mlby|2022}})
*[[San Diego Padres]] ({{mlby|2023}})
|awards     =
*7× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2009]], [[2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2013]]–[[2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2015]], [[2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2017]], [[2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2018]], [[2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2021]])
*[[All-MLB Team|All-MLB First Team]] (2019)
*[[All-MLB Team|All-MLB Second Team]] (2020)
*[[League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award|ALCS MVP]] ({{alcsy|2011}})
*4× [[Silver Slugger Award]] (2015, 2017, 2019, 2020)
*[[Roberto Clemente Award]] (2021)
*[[List of Major League Baseball annual home run leaders|MLB home run leader]] (2014)
*[[List of Major League Baseball annual runs batted in leaders|AL RBI leader]] (2017)
|medaltemplates=
{{MedalSport|Men's [[baseball]]}}
{{Medal|Country|{{bb|DOM}}}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[World Baseball Classic]]}}
{{Medal|Gold | [[2013 World Baseball Classic|2013 San Francisco]] | [[Dominican Republic national baseball team|Team]]}}
}}
'''Nelson Ramón Cruz Martínez''' (born July 1, 1980), nicknamed "'''Boomstick'''", is a Dominican-American former professional [[baseball]] [[designated hitter]] and [[right fielder]]. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[Milwaukee Brewers]], [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]], [[Baltimore Orioles]], [[Seattle Mariners]], [[Minnesota Twins]], [[Tampa Bay Rays]], [[Washington Nationals]], and [[San Diego Padres]]. Cruz is a seven-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|MLB All-Star]]. Known for his power hitting, he has won four [[Silver Slugger Award]]s and two [[Edgar Martínez Award]]s.

After signing with the [[New York Mets]] organization in 1998, Cruz played his first major league game in 2005 with the Milwaukee Brewers. He had a breakthrough season in 2009, hitting 33 home runs for the Texas Rangers. Cruz played for the Rangers in the World Series in 2010 and 2011 and was named the [[League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]] of the [[2011 American League Championship Series]]. On August 5, 2013, Cruz was suspended for 50 games by MLB for his involvement in the [[Biogenesis baseball scandal]]. In 2014, he led the major leagues with 40 home runs as a member of the Baltimore Orioles. He led the [[American League]] (AL) with 119 RBI in 2017 while playing for the Seattle Mariners. Cruz hit 346 home runs during the 2010s, which was the highest number of home runs hit by any player in that decade. In 2020, based on his work in the community, Cruz was selected as the [[Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award|Marvin Miller Man of the Year]] and the [[ESPY]]s [[Muhammad Ali]] Sports Humanitarian Award winner, and in 2021, he received the [[Roberto Clemente Award]].

==Early life==
Cruz was born on July 1, 1980, in [[Las Matas de Santa Cruz]], Dominican Republic.  His father, Nelson Cruz Sr., also played professional baseball in the Dominican Republic.<ref name="Cruz bio">{{cite web|url=http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=443558#gameType=%27R%27&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2014&level=%27ALL%27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140212170700/http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=443558#gameType=%27R%27&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2014&level=%27ALL%27|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 12, 2014|title=Nelson Cruz bio|access-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref> Both his parents are educators<ref name="youngCruz"/> and they raised Cruz and his two sisters, [[Nelsy Cruz|Nelsy]] and Olga,<ref name="CruzSr">{{cite web|url=http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/33165158/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009190446/http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/33165158/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 9, 2014|title=Cruz follows father's life lessons|first=T.R.|last=Sullivan|work=MLB |date= June 15, 2012|access-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref> in the Dominican Republic.  Growing up, Cruz's passion was for basketball, not baseball.  His idol was [[Michael Jordan]]<ref name="youngCruz">{{cite web|url=http://www.wfaa.com/story/sports/mlb/rangers/2014/08/14/13798098/|title=The Dominican roots of Nelson Cruz|publisher=WFAA8-ABC|date=December 5, 2013|access-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009154510/http://www.wfaa.com/story/sports/mlb/rangers/2014/08/14/13798098/|archive-date=October 9, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and as a teenager Cruz played for the Dominican Republic Junior National Basketball Team.<ref name="Cruz bio"/> He attended the high school where his father taught history. In addition to playing sports, Cruz worked as a mechanic's helper with his uncle at a tractor factory. He also shined shoes and learned how to repair them.<ref name="CruzSr"/>  In September 2012, he donated $20,000 to help buy a firetruck for [[Las Matas de Santa Cruz]], enlisting [[American Medical Response|AMR]]'s help in also donating two ambulances.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/38992516/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220152211/http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/38992516/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 20, 2015|title=Nelson Cruz to make donation of fire truck and ambulances in Dominican Republic|access-date=February 20, 2015|date=September 25, 2012}}</ref>

==Professional career==
===Minor leagues===
On February 17, 1998, Cruz signed with the [[New York Mets]] organization as a non-drafted free agent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=cruzne02|title=Nelson Cruz Stats & Scouting Report|website=Baseball America}}</ref> Cruz played for three years in the [[Dominican Summer League]].

On August 30, 2000, the Mets traded Cruz to the [[Oakland Athletics]] in exchange for [[shortstop]] [[Jorge Velandia]], as starting shortstop [[Rey Ordóñez]] was out with a broken arm, and [[Melvin Mora]], [[Mike Bordick]], and [[Kurt Abbott]] proved unable to fill in.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mets.lohudblogs.com/2011/10/13/nelson-cruz-for-jorge-velandia/ |title=Nelson Cruz For Jorge Velandia – The Lohud Mets Blog |publisher=Mets.lohudblogs.com |access-date=February 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004064735/http://mets.lohudblogs.com/2011/10/13/nelson-cruz-for-jorge-velandia/ |archive-date=October 4, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Cruz spent the 2001 season with the [[AZL Athletics]], slashing .250/.283/.409 with 3 home runs and 16 RBI in 23 games. The following season, he played for the Low-A [[Vancouver Canadians]], batting .276/.316/.397 with 4 home runs and 25 RBI. In 2003, Cruz spent the year in Single-A with the [[Kane County Cougars]] and hit .238/.292/.430 career-highs in home runs (20) and RBI (85). Cruz split the 2004 season between the High-A [[Modesto A's]], Double-A [[Midland RockHounds]], and Triple-A [[Sacramento River Cats]], and set new career-highs in home runs (26) and RBI (100) while batting .326/.390/.562 in 137 games between the three teams.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=cruz--002nel|title=Nelson Cruz Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>

===Milwaukee Brewers (2005)===
On December 16, 2004, Cruz was traded to the [[Milwaukee Brewers]] in exchange for [[infielder]] [[Keith Ginter]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1947056 |title=Seeking second base help, A's land Ginter – MLB – ESPN |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=December 15, 2004 |access-date=February 18, 2014}}</ref> Cruz was assigned to the Double-A [[Huntsville Stars]] to begin the 2005 season before receiving a promotion to the Triple-A [[Nashville Sounds]].

Cruz made his major league debut with the Brewers on September 17, 2005, as a late inning defensive replacement at right field wearing #8 against the [[Houston Astros]]. He had one hit in five at-bats for the Brewers in limited action.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=cruzne02&t=b&year=2005|title=Nelson Cruz 2005 Batting Gamelogs – Baseball-Reference.com|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 7, 2015}}</ref> His only hit was a double off [[Aaron Harang]] of the [[Cincinnati Reds]] on September 28.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIL/MIL200509280.shtml|title=September 28, 2005 Cincinnati Reds at Milwaukee Brewers Box Score and Play by Play|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 7, 2015}}</ref> Cruz was assigned to Nashville to begin the 2006 season and hit .302/.378/.528 in 102 games with the team.

===Texas Rangers (2006–2013)===
On July 28, 2006, the Brewers sent Cruz and outfielder [[Carlos Lee]] to the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] in exchange for [[Laynce Nix]], [[Kevin Mench]], [[Francisco Cordero]] and minor league [[pitcher]] Julian Cordero. Cruz would wear #17 during his time with Texas. He hit his first career home run on July 31 against [[Willie Eyre]] of the [[Minnesota Twins|Twins]]. On August 16, Cruz hit the first [[Grand slam (baseball)|grand slam]] of his career off of [[Kevin Gregg]] of the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim|Angels]]. On September 4, 2006, against the Athletics, he hit an [[inside-the-park home run]] in which his bat broke on impact. In [[spring training]] for the 2007 season, Cruz got off to a rough start, but finished strong by hitting three [[home run]]s in the final week, including a [[walk-off home run]] in the final game of spring training.

Cruz failed to make the major league roster prior to the 2008 season and cleared waivers after being [[designated for assignment]] because he had exhausted his minor league options. With the Triple-A [[Oklahoma RedHawks]], Cruz had a .341 batting average and had 37 [[home run]]s and 100 [[run batted in|runs batted in]] (RBI); for his efforts, Cruz won the 2008 [[Pacific Coast League Most Valuable Player Award|Pacific Coast League MVP Award]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-451554|title=Cruz crowned Pacific Coast MVP|date=August 28, 2008|access-date=February 22, 2014}}</ref> During his time with the Redhawks, Cruz began using an open batting stance, which helped him see the ball better and become a more productive hitter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/mariners-nelson-cruz-took-a-long-tough-path-to-stardom/|title=Mariners Nelson Cruz took a long, tough path to stardom|date=April 3, 2015|website=The Seattle Times}}</ref>  On August 25, 2008, the Rangers purchased Cruz's contract from the RedHawks.

[[File:Nelson Cruz and Joe West.jpg|alt=|thumb|Cruz (right) with the Rangers in 2009]]
Cruz had a breakthrough season in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1059915-nelson-cruz-rangers-make-brilliant-move-signing-slugger-to-2-year-contract|title=Nelson Cruz: Rangers Make Brilliant Move Signing Slugger to 2-Year Contract|first=Adam|last=Wells|website=Bleacher Report}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nelson-cruz-late-career-power-nearly-unmatched-in-history|title=Cruz having one of best 'old guy' seasons ever|website=MLB}}</ref> In July, he was selected as an All-Star as a replacement for injured [[Torii Hunter]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/players/playerpage/10813 |title=Torii Hunter Fantasy Baseball at CBS Sports |publisher=cbssports.com |access-date=October 20, 2010}}</ref>  He also participated in the [[2009 Home Run Derby]], finishing second to Brewers first baseman [[Prince Fielder]]. Cruz finished the season with 33 home runs.

Cruz and teammate [[Ian Kinsler]] each hit three home runs in the 2010 AL Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, marking only the second time in Major League history that two teammates each hit three homers in a postseason series of five games or fewer (joining [[Babe Ruth]] and [[Lou Gehrig]], who did it in the [[1928 World Series]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101014&content_id=15634748&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |title=Monster mashers could crash pitchers' party  |work=Mlb.com |date=October 13, 2010 |access-date=October 20, 2010}}</ref> In Game 5 of the [[2010 World Series]] vs. the [[San Francisco Giants]], Cruz hit a home run off of [[Tim Lincecum]] in the 7th inning. It was around this time that Cruz began to refer to his baseball bat as a "boomstick."

In 2011, Cruz and Ian Kinsler became the first two teammates in major league history to homer in each of the first three games in a season, joining [[Dean Palmer]] (1992) as the only Texas ballplayers to ever homer in the first three games of the season.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite news|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110403&content_id=17352502&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |title=Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz etched their names in the record books on Sunday |work=mlb.com |access-date=April 4, 2011}}</ref>  Also, in his very next game, Cruz became the third player ever to homer in each of the first four games of the season, joining [[Willie Mays]] and [[Mark McGwire]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_04_04_seamlb_texmlb_1 |title=Seattle Mariners at Texas Rangers – April 4, 2011 |work=mlb.com |date=April 4, 2011|access-date=April 4, 2011}}</ref> Cruz became the second hitter to hit a home run into the upper deck in right field as a right-handed batter in the history of [[Rangers Ballpark in Arlington]]. The other was hit by former Ranger [[Chad Curtis]], during the 2000 season.{{citation needed|date=February 2014}} On July 22, he had 8 RBIs in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays; it was Cruz's career high in RBIs.<ref>{{cite news|last=Grant |first=Evan |url=http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/04/ian-kinsler-nelson-cruz-set-ma.html |title=Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz set major league record |publisher=The Dallas Morning News |date=April 3, 2011 |access-date=July 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825161255/http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/04/ian-kinsler-nelson-cruz-set-ma.html |archive-date=August 25, 2011  }}</ref>

In 2011, Cruz batted .263 with 29 home runs.<ref name="baseball-reference1">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cruzne02.shtml |title=Nelson Cruz Statistics and History |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=October 3, 2011}}</ref>  He led AL right fielders in [[range factor]] for the third straight year (2.29).<ref name="baseball-reference1"/> On October 10, 2011, Cruz hit a [[Walk-off home run|walk-off]] grand slam in Game 2 of the [[2011 American League Championship Series|ALCS]] versus the Detroit Tigers. He became the first player in baseball history to hit a walk-off grand slam in a postseason game.<ref>[[Robin Ventura]] of the New York Mets would have been the first, but he never touched home plate after hitting the ball over the fence with the bases loaded to win a 1999 postseason game against the Atlanta Braves. Ventura's hit came to be known as the [[Grand Slam Single]].</ref> Cruz hit a 3-run home run to seal Game 4 of the ALCS for the Rangers against the Tigers. He became the first player to hit multiple extra-inning home runs in the same postseason series.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bialik |first=Carl |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2011/10/13/nelson-cruz-extra-inning-king/ |title=2011 MLB Playoffs: Nelson Cruz Ties Postseason Extra-Inning Home-Run Record in Three Days – The Daily Fix |publisher=wsj.com |date=October 13, 2011 |access-date=October 18, 2011}}</ref> During the [[2011 American League Championship Series|2011 ALCS]], Cruz hit six home runs and had 13 RBIs, both postseason series records.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/10/15/sports/s201744D38.DTL |title=Texas slugger Cruz sets playoff HR, RBIs records |publisher=Sfgate.com |access-date=October 18, 2011 }} {{Dead link|date=December 2011|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref>  His efforts earned him the 2011 ALCS MVP award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111015&content_id=25676840&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |title=Nelson Cruz picked up ALCS MVP honors with six home runs and 13 RBIs |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |access-date=October 18, 2011}}</ref> Cruz hit a solo home run to put the Texas Rangers up 6–4 against the [[St. Louis Cardinals]] in Game 6 of the [[2011 World Series]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2011/10/world-series-game-6-texas-rangers-st-louis-cardinals-live-blog/1 |title=Blog: Freese homer lifts Cardinals to victory in 11 innings |publisher=Content.usatoday.com |date=October 28, 2011 |access-date=February 18, 2014}}</ref> The home run allowed Cruz to tie the record for most postseason home runs in a season at 8; he shared the achievement with [[Carlos Beltrán]] and [[Barry Bonds]] before [[Randy Arozarena]] broke the record by hitting ten in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/Playoffs_batting.shtml |title=All-time and Single-Season Postseason Batting Leaders |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |date=January 1, 2009 |access-date=February 18, 2014}}</ref> In the ninth inning, he missed a fly ball that would have clinched the Rangers' first championship; instead, the Cardinals came back to win that game and Game 7 to win the World Series.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Verducci |first=Tom |title=Tom Verducci: Cruz's unforgiveable defensive gaffe proves costly to Rangers |url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2011/10/28/cards-rangersgame6 |access-date=December 31, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sloate |first=Adam |date=October 12, 2020 |title=Revisiting the Triple That Turned the World Series Upside Down |url=https://www.pitcherlist.com/revisiting-the-triple-that-turned-the-world-series-upside-down/ |access-date=December 31, 2022 |website=Pitcher List |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |date=October 4, 2019 |title=October Dreams, and Nightmares, Have Kept Nelson Cruz Coming Back |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/04/sports/baseball/nelson-cruz-twins.html |access-date=December 31, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

===Biogenesis scandal===
In January 2013, Cruz was linked to buying performance-enhancing drugs from a clinic based in Miami.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2013-01-31/news/a-rod-and-doping-a-miami-clinic-supplies-drugs-to-sports-biggest-names/|work=[[Miami New Times]]|access-date=April 12, 2013|title=A Miami Clinic Supplies Drugs to Sports' Biggest Names}}</ref>   On August 5, 2013, Cruz was suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball for his involvement in the [[Biogenesis scandal]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/rangers/2013/08/05/nelson-cruz-accepts-50-game-suspension-biogenesis|title=Rangers' Nelson Cruz accepts 50-game suspension|date=August 5, 2013|access-date=August 5, 2013}} {{Dead link|date=September 2013|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> Cruz in a statement said that that in November 2011 to January 2012 had an undiagnosed "serious gastrointestinal infection, helicobacter pylori," which went undiagnosed for over a month. According to Bosch the head of Biogenesis Lab, he sold $4,000 of product to Nelson Cruz, whom he nicknames "Mohamad." Cruz is one of 13 players who have been banned for their connection to the anti-aging clinic.

Cruz became a [[free agent]] following the 2013 season, turning down a $14 million qualifying offer from the Rangers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/11/nelson-cruz-tells-rangers-hes-rejecting-qualifying-offer/|title=Nelson Cruz tells Rangers he's rejecting qualifying offer|work=Hardball Times|date=November 11, 2013|author=Aaron Gleeman|access-date=February 22, 2014}}</ref> The fact that he had draft pick compensation attached to him and lingering concerns over his recent PED suspension made it difficult for him to find a new deal during the offseason.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/02/19/5583255/nelson-cruz-still-on-the-free.html|title=Nelson Cruz still on the free agent market|author=Drew Davison|date=February 19, 2014|access-date=February 22, 2014|work=Star-Telegram}}</ref>

===Baltimore Orioles (2014)===
[[File:Nelson Cruz 2014.jpg|thumb|Cruz with the Orioles in 2014]]
On February 24, 2014, Cruz signed a one-year, $8 million, contract with the [[Baltimore Orioles]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24452199/sources-orioles-closing-in-on-a-deal-for-nelson-cruz|title=Sources: Orioles closing in on a deal for Nelson Cruz|date=February 22, 2014|access-date=February 22, 2014|author=Jon Heyman|work=CBS Sports}}</ref> Cruz wore #23 with the Orioles and continued wearing 23 in his stops with the [[Seattle Mariners]], [[Minnesota Twins]], and [[Tampa Bay Rays]].

On July 5, Cruz had his first career 5-hit game, with two singles, two doubles, and a home run, falling a triple shy of the cycle (he was tagged out just short of third base), against the Red Sox.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/83291354/orioles-slugger-nelson-cruz-nearly-motors-for-cycle-but-out-at-third-base|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002072358/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/83291354/orioles-slugger-nelson-cruz-nearly-motors-for-cycle-but-out-at-third-base|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 2, 2015|title=Cruz nearly motors for cycle, but out at third base|website=MLB.com}}</ref> He was elected into his third [[MLB All-Star Game]], as a [[designated hitter]], for the [[American League]].<ref>{{cite web|title=ESPN STATS|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/stats|website=ESPN|access-date=June 13, 2014}}</ref> On September 7, 2014, in a game against the [[Tampa Bay Rays]], Cruz went 4-for-5 with two home runs and 7 RBIs, including his 100th RBI of the season. His previous season high in RBIs had been 90, set in 2012. Cruz drove in all 7 runs the Orioles scored.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cruz drives in seven as O's avoid sweep, pad lead|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_09_07_balmlb_tbamlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=bal|website=MLB.com|access-date=September 7, 2014}}</ref> In 159 games played in 2014, Cruz had an MLB-leading 40 home runs along with a .271 batting average, 32 doubles, and 108 RBI.

In the first game of the [[2014 ALDS]], Cruz homered against the [[Detroit Tigers]]' [[Max Scherzer]]. It was his 15th home run in 35 career postseason games, tying Cruz for 10th place on the all-time postseason home run list with [[Babe Ruth]].<ref name=Chisholm>{{cite web|last1=Gregor|first1=Chisholm|title=Cruz continues to torment Scherzer, Tigers' pitching|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/97336978/orioles-slugger-nelson-cruz-continues-to-torment-tigers-pitching|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006105024/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/97336978/orioles-slugger-nelson-cruz-continues-to-torment-tigers-pitching|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 6, 2014|website=MLB.com|publisher=MLB Advanced Media, LP|access-date=October 3, 2014}}</ref> In the third game of the 2014 ALDS, Cruz hit his 16th postseason home run against the Tigers' [[David Price (baseball)|David Price]], tying him for 9th place on the all-time postseason home run list with [[Carlos Beltrán]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=341005106|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006144825/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=341005106|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 6, 2014|title=Nelson Cruz homer all Orioles need to sweep Tigers, advance to ALCS (Research notes)|date=October 6, 2014|access-date=October 6, 2014|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Cruz declared free agency after rejecting the Orioles' qualifying offer of $15.3 million.

===Seattle Mariners (2015–2018)===
On December 4, 2014, Cruz signed a four-year contract with the [[Seattle Mariners]] worth $57 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.mariners.mlb.com/news/article/102845050/nelson-cruz-agrees-to-deal-with-mariners-will-be-introduced-today|title=Nelson Cruz signs deal with Mariners|work=Seattle Mariners|access-date=September 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117004339/http://m.mariners.mlb.com/news/article/102845050/nelson-cruz-agrees-to-deal-with-mariners-will-be-introduced-today|archive-date=January 17, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Cruz was named the starting DH for the 2015 American League All-Star team, marking the 4th time (3rd consecutive) that he was named an All-Star.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/allstar/2015/07/05/mlb-all-star-game-american-league-starters/29736647/|last=Boeck|first=Scott|title=Nelson Cruz named American League starting DH|publisher=USA Today|date=July 6, 2016|access-date=May 15, 2016}}</ref> He went on to have arguably the best season of his career in 2015, hitting .302 with a career-high 44 home runs and 93 RBIs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cruzne02.shtml|title=Nelson Cruz Stats|publisher=Baseball Reference|access-date=May 15, 2016}}</ref> He hit the third-longest home run in MLB in 2015, at 483 feet.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/statcast|title=Statcast Leaderboard|website=baseballsavant.com}}</ref> He also won his first career [[Silver Slugger Award]], and finished 6th in the [[American League MVP]] voting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2015.shtml#ALmvp|title=2015 American League MVP Voting|publisher=Baseball Reference|date=November 19, 2016|access-date=May 15, 2016}}</ref>

In 2016, Cruz batted .287 with 43 home runs and 104 RBIs. He was not selected as an All-Star, but did finish 15th in the American League MVP voting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2016.shtml#all_AL_MVP_voting|title=2016 AL MVP Voting|work=Baseball Reference|date=November 17, 2016|access-date=July 8, 2017}}</ref> His batted balls had the highest average [[exit velocity]] of the season in the major leagues, at 94.4 miles per hour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_leaderboard?year=2016&abs=150&player_type=resp_batter_id|title=Statcast Leaderboard|website=baseballsavant.com}}</ref> He also hit the second-longest home run in MLB in 2016, at 493 feet.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.mlb.com/statcast/leaderboard#hr-distance,r,2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711034729/http://m.mlb.com/statcast/leaderboard#hr-distance,r,2016|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 11, 2015|title=Statcast Leaderboard|website=baseballsavant.com}}</ref>

Cruz was selected as an [[2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] in 2017 for the fifth time in his career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19768198/mlb-2017-all-star-game-rosters|title=Cruz named all star for 5th time|work=ESPN|date=July 2, 2016|access-date=July 8, 2017}}</ref> On July 7, he hit his 300th career home run in a Mariners win over the [[2017 Oakland Athletics season|Oakland Athletics]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/james-paxton-gives-the-mariners-just-what-the-gm-ordered-a-rare-strong-start/|title=Cruz hits his 300th career home run in Mariners win|last=Jenks|first=Jayson|work=The Seattle Times|date=July 7, 2017|access-date=July 8, 2017}}</ref>  Cruz led the AL in RBIs with 119, and led the Mariners in home runs (39), runs scored (91), extra base hits (67), walks (70), OPS (.924), on-base percentage (.375), and slugging percentage (.549). He won the [[Edgar Martínez Award]], also known as the Outstanding Designated Hitter Award.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cohen |first=Steven |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/sports/baseball/article/Mariners-Nelson-Cruz-Edgar-Martinez-award-12395799.php |title=Mariners' Nelson Cruz wins award named after Edgar Martinez |work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]] |date=November 30, 2017 |access-date=December 3, 2017}}</ref>

Cruz was named to the [[2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sports.mynorthwest.com/485166/mariners-all-stars-2018/?|title=Mariners All-Stars: Edwin Díaz, Mitch Haniger, Nelson Cruz headed to D.C.|date=July 8, 2018|website=sports.MyNorthwest.com}}</ref> He batted .256 for the season, along with 37 home runs and 97 RBIs. He was the 8th-oldest player in the American League.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2018-other-leaders.shtml|title=2018 American League Awards, All-Stars, & More Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> He became a free agent after the [[2018 Major League Baseball season|2018 season]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/nelson-cruz-free-agent-matrix-c300361110 |title=Who will designate Nelson Cruz to hit for their team? |work=Mlb.com|date=November 10, 2018 |access-date=April 15, 2019 }}</ref>

===Minnesota Twins (2019–2021)===
On January 2, 2019, Cruz signed a one-year contract with the [[2019 Minnesota Twins season|Minnesota Twins]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/twins/news/twins-press-releases/t-267534058 |title=Twins sign Nelson Cruz to one-year contract | work=MLB.com | date=January 2, 2019 | access-date=January 3, 2019 }}</ref> worth $14.3 million. The contract also included a $12 million team option for the 2020 season.<ref>[https://twitter.com/twins/status/1080515309864448000 Minnesota Twins on Twitter: "OFFICIAL: #MNTwins sign Nelson Cruz to a 1-year contract with a club option for 2020.… "<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

[[File:Nelson Cruz - - Minnesota Twins - Target Field - MLB July 7, 2019 (48221313626) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Cruz with the Twins in 2019]]
On September 22, 2019, Cruz hit his 400th career home run and 40th home run of the season versus the [[2019 Kansas City Royals season|Kansas City Royals]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2019/09/22/nelson-cruz-hits-400th-career-home-run|title=Nelson Cruz hits 400th career home run|last=Baer|first=Bill|work=NBC Sports|date=September 22, 2019|access-date=September 22, 2019}}</ref>  He batted .311/.392/.639 with 41 home runs and 108 RBI in 120 games on the season.  He produced the highest hard-contact percentage of all major league batters, at 52.5%.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=2&season=2019&month=0&season1=2019&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2019-01-01&enddate=2019-12-31&sort=19,d|title=Major League Leaderboards » 2019 » Batters » Batted Ball Statistics &#124; FanGraphs Baseball|website=www.fangraphs.com}}</ref> He was the fifth-oldest player in the American League.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cruzne02.shtml|title=Nelson Cruz Stats|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>  For first time in his MLB career, he did not play in the field; he played in 114 games as a DH and another six as a pinch hitter.<ref name="auto"/>  His 1.031 OPS matched the club record, and his home run and RBI totals set club records at DH.  He ranked second in the AL in OPS and SLG, tied for third in home runs, placed sixth in batting, and seventh in RBI.  He followed [[Hank Aaron]] and [[Barry Bonds]] as the only players to hit 40 home runs in their age-39 season or after.  These accomplishments helped net Cruz his third career Silver Slugger Award.<ref>{{cite news |author=Minnesota Twins |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/nelson-cruz-and-mitch-garver-named-2019-silver-sluggertm-award-winners |title=Nelson Cruz and Mitch Garver Named 2019 Silver Slugger™ Award Winners |work=MLB.com |date=November 7, 2019 |access-date=November 14, 2020}}</ref>  Cruz would also win the Edgar Martinez Award for the second time.

Cruz hit 346 home runs during the 2010s, which was the highest number of home runs hit by any player in that decade.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2019/12/19/top-5-power-hitters-of-the-2010s/|title=Top-5 power hitters of the 2010's|first=Bill|last=Baer|date=December 19, 2019}}</ref>

The Twins picked up Cruz' option for [[2020 Minnesota Twins season|2020]], in which he batted .303 with a .992 OPS, 16 home runs and 33 RBI.  Although slowed by a sore knee later in the season, Cruz appeared in 53 of 60 games.  He doubled twice in a span of six at bats in a season-ending [[2020 American League Wild Card Series|AL Wild Card Series]] loss to the [[2020 Houston Astros season|Houston Astros]].<ref name=neal102320>{{cite news |last=Neal |first=La Velle |url=https://www.startribune.com/nelson-cruz-wins-leadership-award-from-baseball-s-players-union/572830702/ |title=Nelson Cruz wins another major award, this one for leadership in community |work=[[Star Tribune]] |date=October 23, 2020 |access-date=November 14, 2020}}</ref>  He ranked third in the AL in OBP (.397), fourth in OPS, fifth in SLG (.595), tied for fifth in home runs and seventh in batting average, leading to winning the Silver Slugger Award at DH, his fourth overall Silver Slugger.<ref>{{cite news |author=Fox Sports North |url=https://www.foxsports.com/north/story/nelson-cruz-named-2020-silver-slugger-award-winner-minnesota-twins-110520 |title=Twins' Nelson Cruz wins another Silver Slugger award |work=[[Fox Sports]] |date=November 5, 2020 |access-date=November 14, 2020}}</ref>  He finished sixth in the AL MVP voting.<ref>{{cite news |last=Helfand |first=Betsy |url=https://www.twincities.com/2020/11/12/nelson-cruz-finishes-sixth-in-mvp-balloting/ |title=Nelson Cruz finishes sixth in MVP balloting |work=[[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] |date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=November 14, 2020}}</ref>

For his efforts assisting the community, Cruz was selected as the 2020 [[Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award|Marvin Miller Man of the Year]] by the [[Major League Baseball Players Association|MLB Players Association]], as that player whom his peers deem earned "most respect based on his leadership on the field and in the community," notably in his hometown of Las Matas de Santa Cruz.  He also was the [[ESPY]]s Muhammed Ali Sports Humanitarian Award winner in 2020.  Cruz donated a [[police station]], a [[fire station]], replaced an aging [[ambulance]] and spearheaded a $400,000 [[Food drive|donation drive]] to help alleviate food shortages induced by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].  His leadership inspired his teammates to assist in their own communities.<ref>{{cite news |last=Park |first=Do-Hyoung |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nelson-cruz-marvin-miller-man-of-the-year-twins |title=Cruz named Man of the Year by his peers |work=MLB.com |date=October 22, 2020 |access-date=November 14, 2020}}</ref>

Cruz became a free agent following the [[2020 World Series]].<ref name=neal102320/> On February 10, 2021, Cruz signed a one-year, $13 million contract to stay with Minnesota for the 2021 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2021/02/10/minnesota-twins-finalize-contract-with-nelson-cruz/|title=Twins finalize $13M contract with Nelson Cruz|publisher=[[NBC Sports]]|date=February 10, 2021|access-date=March 3, 2021}}</ref> Cruz was named an All-Star for the team in 2021, and hit .294/.370/.537 with 19 home runs and 50 RBI in 85 games.

In 2021, TheAthletic.com called Cruz "one of the game’s elite power hitters",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2472215/2021/03/24/twins-nelson-cruz-has-seemingly-conquered-father-time-one-grueling-rest-and-recovery-routine-at-a-time/|title=Twins' Nelson Cruz has seemingly conquered Father Time, one grueling rest and recovery routine at a time|first=Dan|last=Hayes|website=The Athletic|date=March 24, 2021 }}</ref> while CBS Sports described him as "a steady purveyor of elite power production".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-star-power-index-nelson-cruzs-arc-of-age-curve-defiance-why-adam-wainwright-is-just-fine-with-his-curve/|title=MLB Star Power Index: Nelson Cruz's arc of age-curve defiance; why Adam Wainwright is just fine with his curve|website=CBSSports.com|date=September 14, 2021 }}</ref>

===Tampa Bay Rays (2021)===
On July 22, 2021, Cruz was traded to the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] alongside [[Calvin Faucher]] in exchange for [[Joe Ryan (baseball)|Joe Ryan]] and [[Drew Strotman]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31864460/tampa-bay-rays-finalizing-trade-minnesota-twins-slugger-nelson-cruz-sources-say|title=Rays acquire slugger Cruz in trade with Twins|date=July 22, 2021|website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Topkin|first=Marc|date=July 22, 2021|title=Rays get the big bat they were seeking in Nelson Cruz|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2021/07/22/rays-get-the-big-bat-they-were-seeking-in-nelson-cruz/|access-date=July 23, 2021|website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref>

===Washington Nationals (2022)===
[[File:Nelson Cruz (52031826747) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Cruz with the Nationals in 2022]]
On March 13, 2022, Cruz signed a one-year, $12 million contract with a mutual option for 2023 with the [[Washington Nationals]]. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33497939/nelson-cruz-reaches-1-year-deal-washington-nationals-source-says|title=Nelson Cruz reaches 1-year, $15M deal with Washington Nationals, source says|date=March 13, 2022|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On August 15, Cruz went 2–for–4 against the [[Chicago Cubs]] and recorded 2,000 career hits in his MLB career.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Camerato |first1=Jessica |title=2,000 hits later, Cruz remembers very first knock |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nelson-cruz-records-2-000th-career-hit-vs-padres |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=MLB|date=August 14, 2022}}</ref> 

Cruz ended the season batting .234/.313/.337 in 448 at bats with 10 home runs and 64 RBIs in 124 games at DH, grounding into 16 double plays (9th in the NL).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cruzne02.shtml|title=Nelson Cruz Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> He was the oldest [[qualified batter]] in major league baseball.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/custom?year=2022&type=batter&filter=&sort=2&sortDir=asc&min=q&selections=player_age,on_base_plus_slg,b_pinch_run,b_reached_on_error,b_reached_on_int,exit_velocity_avg,avg_best_speed,avg_hyper_speed,pull_percent,opposite_percent,groundballs_percent,flyballs_percent,linedrives_percent,popups_percent,&chart=false&x=b_pinch_run&y=b_pinch_run&r=no&chartType=beeswarm|title=Statcast Custom Leaderboards|website=baseballsavant.com}}</ref> On November 7, the Nationals declined their $16 million mutual option on Cruz, and he became a free agent.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Camerato |first1=Jessica |title=Nats seek starting pitching, power heading into '23 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dave-martinez-discusses-nationals-roster-offseason-plans |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=MLB.com |date=December 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Nationals, Sean Doolitte agree to minor league deal |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/11/06/nationals-sean-doolittle-minor-league-deal/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=November 6, 2022}}</ref>

===San Diego Padres (2023)===
On January 23, 2023, the [[San Diego Padres]] signed Cruz to a one year, $1 million contract. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-padres-sign-nelson-cruz|website=[[MLB.com]] |title=Padres sign DH Nelson Cruz to one-year contract }}</ref> He played in 49 games for the Padres, hitting .245/.283/.399 with 5 home runs and 23 RBI. Cruz was [[designated for assignment]] by San Diego on July 4.<ref>{{cite news |title=Padres designate slugger Nelson Cruz for assignment |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/37959926/padres-designate-slugger-nelson-cruz-assignment |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=ESPN.com |date=July 4, 2023}}</ref> He was released by the Padres on July 10.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nelson Cruz: Officially released by Padres|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/nelson-cruz-officially-released-by-padres/amp/|access-date=July 11, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}</ref>

===Retirement===
Cruz announced his retirement from baseball on November 2, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Dan Hayes |title=Nelson Cruz, 7-time MLB All-Star, retires |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5025394/2023/11/02/nelson-cruz-retires/ |access-date=November 2, 2023 |website=The Athletic |date=November 2, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> On Opening Day, March 28, 2024, he signed a one-day contract to officially retire as a Seattle Mariner.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/national/story/2024-03-28/nelson-cruz-signs-1-day-contract-to-retire-with-the-seattle-mariners|title=Nelson Cruz signs 1-day contract to retire with the Seattle Mariners|website=[[San Diego Union-Tribune]]|date=March 28, 2024|accessdate=March 29, 2024}}</ref>

==International career==

Cruz was selected for the [[Dominican Republic national baseball team]] at the [[2009 World Baseball Classic]], [[2013 World Baseball Classic]], [[2017 World Baseball Classic]], and [[2023 World Baseball Classic]]. <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/20/sports/baseball/dominican-republic-wins-world-baseball-classic.html|title=World-Class Pitching Carries Undefeated Dominicans to Title|first=Tyler|last=Kepner|newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 20, 2013}}</ref>
In addition to playing in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he also served as the team’s [[general manager (baseball)|general manager]].<ref>{{Citation|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/10/sports/baseball/nelson-cruz-dominican-republic-wbc.html|title=Who Built the Dominican Republic's Dream Team? Their 42-Year-Old D.H.|first=James|last=Wagner|date=March 10, 2023|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Cruz and the Dominican Republic won the 2013 World Baseball Classic and Cruz was named to the 2013 All-World Baseball Classic team.<ref name="f914">{{Cite web |last=Jerez |first=Rony |date=May 14, 2020 |title=The top five teams from the last three World Baseball Classics |url=https://www.wsou.net/news/thetopfiveteamsfromthelastthreeworldbaseballclassics.html#.YPr-ZOhKguU |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=WSOU}}</ref>

==Post-playing career==
On May 17, 2024, [[Major League Baseball]] hired Cruz as a consultant to the league. His full title was listed as 'special advisor for baseball operations,' with the intent for Cruz to serve as a liaison for MLB on topics in Latin America.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McDonald |first=Darragh |date=2024-05-17 |title=MLB Hires Nelson Cruz In Special Advisor Role |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/05/mlb-hires-nelson-cruz-in-special-advisor-role.html |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref>

Cruz served as the third base coach for the American League team in the 2024 [[All-Star Futures Game]].<ref name="x922">{{cite web | last=Adler | first=David | title=2024 MLB All-Star Futures Game coaching staffs announced | website=MLB.com | date=2024-07-01 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2024-mlb-all-star-futures-game-coaching-staffs-announced | access-date=2025-02-02}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Cruz has one daughter and three sons. He resides in Las Matas De Santa Cruz, Dominican Republic in the offseason.

After the 2018 season, Cruz became an American citizen.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Alex |title=Mariners' Nelson Cruz becomes U.S. citizen |url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/MLB/2018/10/16/Mariners-Nelson-Cruz-becomes-US-citizen/2121539696988/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=United Press International |date=October 16, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Arthur |first1=Ben |title=Seattle Mariners' Nelson Cruz becomes U.S. citizen |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/sports/baseball/article/Seattle-Mariners-Nelson-Cruz-becomes-U-S-citizen-13308708.php |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=October 15, 2018}}</ref>

On April 8, 2025, Cruz's sister [[Nelsy Cruz|Nelsy]], the governor of the Dominican Republic's [[Monte Cristi Province]], died in the [[Jet Set nightclub roof collapse]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Farkas |first1=Brady |title=Sister of Former Seattle Mariners Star Nelson Cruz Dies in Deadly Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/mariners/news/sister-of-former-seattle-mariners-star-nelson-cruz-dies-in-deadly-dominican-republic-nightclub-collapse |access-date=April 8, 2025 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=April 8, 2025}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball|Dominican Republic}}
{{div col}}
* [[List of Baltimore Orioles awards]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball annual home run leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball annual runs batted in leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career putouts as a right fielder leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career slugging percentage leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career strikeouts by batters leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career extra base hits leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball players from the Dominican Republic]]
* [[Minnesota Twins award winners and league leaders]]
* [[Seattle Mariners award winners and league leaders]]
* [[Texas Rangers award winners and league leaders]]
{{div col end}}
{{clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Nelson Cruz}}
* {{Twitter}}
* {{Instagram|ncboomstick23|Nelson Cruz}}
{{baseballstats|mlb=443558|espn=6242|br=c/cruzne02|fangraphs=2434|brm=cruz--002nel|retro=C/Pcruzn002}}

{{AL home run champions}}
{{AL RBI champions}}
{{ALCS MVP}}
{{AL OF Silver Slugger Award}}
{{AL DH Silver Slugger Award}}
{{Edgar Martínez Award}}
{{Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award}}
{{Roberto Clemente Award}}
{{2019 All MLB Team}}
{{2020 All MLB Team}}
{{PCL MVPs}}
{{Dominican Republic roster 2009 World Baseball Classic}}
{{Dominican Republic roster 2013 World Baseball Classic}}
{{Dominican Republic roster 2017 World Baseball Classic}}
{{Dominican Republic roster 2023 World Baseball Classic}}
{{2013 World Baseball Classic All WBC Team}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cruz, Nelson}}
[[Category:1980 births]]
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