Former Mariners' star Nelson Cruz signs with Minnesota Twins

SEATTLE — Former Seattle Mariners’ star Nelson Cruz has signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins.

In his four seasons in Seattle, Cruz played in 606 games, hit 163 home runs and had 414 runs batted in.

Cruz signed a four-year contract with the Seattle Mariners worth $57 million on Dec. 4, 2014 after playing for the Baltimore Orioles.

“Seattle, you hold a special place in my heart as you embraced me from the start even when skeptics said I would not succeed in a pitcher friendly park. I hope you enjoyed hearing Dave Sims say Boomstick Baby as much as I did,” Cruz said, in-part, in a farewell post on Instagram.

The departure of Cruz continues the Mariners' off-season rebuild and follows the trades of Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz, Jean Segura, Mike Zunino and others.

Of the Mariners' four All-Stars this past season, only outfielder Mitch Haniger is still on the roster.

In his 14 seasons in the MLB, Cruz has also played for the Milwaukee Brewers and the Texas Rangers.

Cruz currently ranks 84th in MLB history with 360 career home runs.

View this post on Instagram

I would like to thank the Mariners ownership especially John for all you have done for me and my hometown, the organization, the coaching staff, my teammates, Ryan, Billy and everyone else in the clubhouse, Rick Rizzs and all of the other reporters I came across, and most importantly the fans for all of your support over the last four seasons. Seattle, you hold a special place in my heart as you embraced me from the start even when skeptics said I would not succeed in a pitcher friendly park. I hope you enjoyed hearing Dave Sims say Boomstick Baby as much as I did. My Boomstick23 Foundation was formally established while in the Emerald City and I appreciate your support throughout the years. Thank you to my family and my Boomstick23 team for your continued support. Me gustaría darle las Gracias a los Marineros, los dueños especialmente a John por todo lo que han hecho por mí y por mi ciudad natal, a la organización, el cuerpo técnico, mis compañeros de equipo, Ryan, Billy y todos los demás en el clubhouse, Rick Rizzs y todos los demás reporteros. Y más importante, a los fanáticos por todo su apoyo durante las últimas cuatro temporadas. Seattle, es un lugar especial en mi corazón porque me apoyaron desde el principio, incluso cuando los escépticos dijeron que no tendría éxito en un parque que beneficia a los lanzadores. Espero que hayan disfrutado escuchar a Dave Sims decir Boomstick Baby tanto como yo. Mi Fundación Boomstick23 se estableció formalmente en la ciudad de Esmeralda y aprecio su apoyo a lo largo de los años. Gracias a mi familia y a mi equipo Boomstick23 por su apoyo continuo.

A post shared by Nelson Cruz (@ncboomstick23) on Dec 27, 2018 at 9:57am PST