Mariners Sign Powerful Nelson Cruz

The Seattle Mariners addressed a glaring need this offseason, adding some much-needed thump to their batting order by signing last season's American League home run leader Nelson Cruz to a four-year $57 million free agent contract early Monday.

ESPN.com reports that the 34-year-old Dominican will cost the M's the 21st overall pick in the upcoming amateur draft.  Cruz helped lead the Baltimore Orioles to the AL East title with 40 bombs and finished third in runs batted in with 108.

This is the second big money signing this offseason by the historically frugal Mariners front office. Third baseman Kyle Seager was signed to a $100 million extension for the next seven years.