Former Mariners' star Nelson Cruz signs with Minnesota Twins

<p>Nelson Cruz #23 of the Seattle Mariners is greeted in the dugout after hitting a home run in the fourth inning against Andrew Heaney #28 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the game at Safeco Field. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)</p>

Nelson Cruz #23 of the Seattle Mariners is greeted in the dugout after hitting a home run in the fourth inning against Andrew Heaney #28 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the game at Safeco Field. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)

By KIRO 7 News Staff

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.

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