Twins land All-Star Nelson Cruz and get much more interesting

The Twins have found the veteran slugger they desired for the middle of their lineup.

The mostly dark, boring days of the holiday season were interrupted Thursday morning, when Minnesota agreed to a one-year, $14.3 million deal with Nelson Cruz, The Post’s Joel Sherman confirmed. The contract has a 2020 team option for $12 million.

The Twins are gambling the 38-year-old, who has mostly become a designated hitter, still has plenty left. He was a great signing for Seattle four years ago and has been an All-Star the past two seasons. Last year he finished with a .256/.342/.509 slash line with 37 home runs and 97 RBIs. He has hit at least 37 homers every year since 2014.

The rebuilding Mariners did not have a need for the veteran, and the Twins beat out the Rays for his services. They will add him to Miguel Sano, C.J. Cron and Tyler Austin for a team that now has a high power ceiling and likely will be chasing the Indians in the AL Central.

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