Miguel Sano was the most emotional member of the Minnesota Twins after learning Nelson Cruz had been traded to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Miguel Sanó, on Nelson Cruz's departure:
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) July 23, 2021
"He's my dad. He's my guy and everything. And I hope he comes back next year to the Twins' organization. I saw him cry, and I'm crying too when I saw him like that."
The Twins traded Cruz to the Rays Thursday in exchange for two pitching prospects. It was a good move for Tampa Bay, which could use a power bat being just one game behind the Boston Red Sox for first place in the AL East.
Cruz spent over two seasons in Minnesota, hitting 304./386/.598 with 76 homers and 191 RBI across 258 games.
As a way to honor the slugger, Sano wore Cruz's pants during Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. He went 1-for-3 with a walk while playing first base.
In an Instagram post, Cruz described the trade as "heartbreaking" even though he was expecting a move out of Minnesota. The 41-year-old added that he would consider re-signing with the Twins in free agency this winter.
The Twins are fourth in the AL Central with a 41-56 record, so it's no surprise they appear to be sellers ahead of this year's trade deadline.
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