Minnesota Twins pick up Nelson Cruz option for 2020

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Nelson Cruz’s $12 million option for next season has been exercised by the Minnesota Twins. The 39-year-old designated hitter agreed in January to a contract with a $14 million salary for 2019 and the club option.

He hit .311 with a team-high 41 homers and had 108 RBIs in 120 games. He spent two stints on the injured list for a wrist problem that led to a torn tendon. Cruz was 2 for 10 with a solo home run as the Twins were swept by the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series.

Meanwhile, the Twins have claimed right-handed pitcher Matt Wisler off waivers from Seattle. Wisler appeared in a combined 44 games this season for San Diego and Seattle, making eight starts for the Mariners.

He had 63 strikeouts in 51 1/3 innings, with a 5.61 ERA. The 27-year-old Wisler will join his fifth major league team in three seasons.

The Twins had success with a waiver claim a year ago, adding first baseman C.J. Cron after he was let go by Tampa Bay. Cron hit 25 homers in 125 games.