The Rangers eliminated another of their arbitration cases on Thursday, signing right fielder Nelson Cruz to a two-year, $16 million contract, according to a major-league source.
Cruz, 31, asked for $7.5 million in arbitration; the Rangers offered $5.5 million. His new deal covers his final two years of arbitration. After that, he is eligible for free agency.
Earlier this week, the Rangers signed shortstop Elvis Andrus to a three-year, $14.4 million contract. Catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli is their only remaining arbitration case. He asked for $11.5 million. The Rangers offered $8.3 million.
Cruz, 31, batted .263/.312/.509 with 29 home runs and 87 RBI last season, then hit eight more homers in the postseason, including a record six in the American League Championship Series.
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