Nelson Cruz recently retired after the end of the 2023 season. He enjoyed a 19-year career in the big leagues, where he became a seven-time All-Star and a four-time Silver Slugger.
On Opening Day, Cruz signed a one-day contract and retired as a member of the Seattle Mariners. While his playing days may be over, his time in the league is not.
It was announced Friday that Cruz had accepted a new role within MLB. He is now a special advisor for baseball operations and will serve as a liaison for the league focusing on Latin America-related topics.
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Cruz will focus on growing the league’s existing player relations function. As someone who won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2021, the league couldn’t have chosen a better representative.
Cruz isn’t the only former player working closely with the league. He joins CC Sabathia, Albert Pujols, Ken Griffey Jr. and a few others.
Nelson Cruz is ready to get to work
Nelson Cruz couldn’t be more excited about this new opportunity. He made an announcement, published in the official press release, explaining how ready he was to get to work.
“I am excited to work with the commissioner’s office and have the opportunity to work with young players by sharing what I have learned since signing in 1998,” Cruz said.
Cruz wants to expand on all the knowledge he has gained since signing his rookie contract with the New York Mets in 1998. He wants these young players to be in a better situation than when he first entered the league.
Shortly after announcing his retirement, Los Angeles Dodgers hired him in an advisory role. It is unclear if his new role will impact his work with the Blue Crew or if he will be able to work both simultaneously.
