Twins ship Nelson Cruz to Rays in 4-player trade

Minnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz has been traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in a deal first reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN.

What It Means:

Cruz, the 41-year-old slugger, has been dangled in trade talks for a few weeks now. He'll slide right into the designated hitter role in Tampa Bay, which will likely force Austin Meadows to play the outfield more. Minor-league pitcher Calvin Faucher is also going to Tampa, while the Twins are receiving Rays' No. 10 prospect Joe Ryan and No. 17 prospect Drew Strotman.

In 336 plate appearances this season, Cruz has a .299 batting average with a .921 OPS, 19 home runs, 43 runs and 49 RBI.