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Seattle Mariners

Mariners finalize 4-year deal with DH Nelson Cruz

 (Associated Press)

Had things come together last season, Nelson Cruz’s introduction with the Seattle Mariners would have taken place a year ago. Seattle pursued Cruz last year but when it didn’t work out, he went on to lead the majors in home runs playing on a one-year deal in Baltimore. The Mariners were quick to try to find a deal that would work for both sides as soon as this offseason arrived. “We were open and honest as we could possibly be and say, ‘This is the guy that we want,’ ” Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik said Thursday. Seattle landed the right-handed power bat that was a priority this offseason by signing Cruz to a $57 million, four-year contract that was finalized Thursday. Cruz hit 40 homers and drove in 108 runs for the Orioles last season. Zduriencik said adding a fourth year to the contract – which will take Cruz to age 38 – was critical to getting the deal done. – AP