Chicago Cubs: 3 realistic DH targets that project well for 2022

Cubs: 3 realistic DH targets that make a difference – #1: Nelson Cruz

Landing at number one on this list is Mr. Consistent, Nelson Cruz. Cruz has cemented his place as one of – if not the – best designated hitters in the game today. Remarkably, they slugger is 41 and still going as strong as ever in terms of offensive production at the plate. When you break down his stats over the number of years he has been in the league, it really is fascinating to see him continue to defy the odds season after season.

Entering his 18th year in the league, Cruz is still projected to bat a well above average  .263/.339/.504 with 31 home runs and 82 RBI. If fact, he has hit over 100 RBIs on four separate occasions, topping out with a career-best of 119 in 2017. For his career, Cruz has batted .277/.346/.527 with 449 HR and 1,238 RBI. The argument can already be made that he will one day land in Cooperstown. Minus 2020, he has hit 30 home runs in seven straight full seasons and has just not slowed down at all.

Cruz is a seven-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger Award winner and has finished top 10 in MVP voting four times. With a 162-game average of 39 homers and 107 RBI, Cruz’s bat adds instant production at the plate in the clean-up spot. The money is there – and if the team isn’t in it come the deadline, you know teams would be clamoring to add this bat to the mix in a trade.