ESPN is reporting that the Seattle Mariners and outfielder Nelson Cruz are closing in on a four-year, $57 million contract.
Cruz, who signed a one-year, $8 million contract last season with the Baltimore Orioles, hit .271 with 108 RBI and a league-leading 40 home runs. The Orioles won the AL East and were swept by the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS.
He was suspended for 50 games in 2013 after violating the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program.
The 34-year-old will join a team that includes second baseman Robinson Cano, who signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with Seattle last season, and former Cy Young award winner Felix Hernandez.
The Mariners narrowly missed the playoffs last season, finishing a game back of the wild card.
