Cruz set to join M’s

SEATTLE (AP) ― The Mariners are on the verge of landing the right-handed slugger they were seeking for the middle of their batting order.

Free agent slugger Nelson Cruz and Seattle are nearing agreement on a contract, two people with knowledge of the deal told the Associated Press on Monday. The pair spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been finalized and was still pending a physical.

El Caribe in the Dominican Republic first reported the agreement, saying it was worth $57 million over for four years.

Seattle did not comment.

Cruz led the major leagues with 40 home runs last season and had 108 RBIs for Baltimore, which signed him to an $8 million, one-year deal. He served a 50-game suspension in 2013 for violations of the major league drug agreement in relation to the sport’s Biogenesis investigation.

He likely will bat behind fellow Dominican star Robinson Cano, who will be starting the second season of a $240 million, 10-year contract.

Cruz did not accept a $15.3 million qualifying offer from the Orioles. Seattle would forfeit its first-round draft pick, the 19th overall selection. Baltimore would get an additional pick between the first and second rounds.

Seattle also has a $100 million, seven-year deal with third baseman Kyle Seager that awaits completion. The Mariners have among the top pitching staffs in the AL but missed the postseason by one game last season due to offensive shortcomings.