Jul 13, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; American League designated hitter Nelson Cruz of the Minnesota Twins (23) looks on as lineups are announced before the 2021 MLB All Star Game at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland A’s were considered one of the favorites to land Nelson Cruz. The Minnesota Twins designated hitter would have immediately injected another power bat into the lineup, theoretically providing far more offense than Mitch Moreland possibly could. The question was whether or not the A’s could stomach the cost, both in terms of Cruz’s remaining salary and the prospects it would take to bring him in.