The Baltimore Orioles announced on Monday that they signed free agent outfielder Nelson Cruz to a one-year contract.
It had been reported by multiple media outlets on Saturday that Cruz agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract. Cruz can reportedly earn up to an additional $750,000 in incentives.
Cruz, 33, had a batting line of .266/.327/.506 with 27 home runs and 76 RBIs last season with the Texas Rangers before serving a 50-game suspension related to the Biogenesis scandal.
Over nine seasons, Cruz has a .268 batting average with 157 homers and 489 RBIs.
Cruz cost himself millions of dollars as he rejected the Rangers’ $14.1 million qualifying offer earlier this offseason. He was rumored to be seeking a long-term contract for $75 million.
To make room for Cruz on the 40-man roster, left-handed pitcher Chris Jones was designated for assignment.