Nelson Cruz

That season reveals the complete hitter Cruz could be when healthy and locked in, combining his natural power stroke with exceptional plate discipline and contact skills. His 464 career home runs tell the story of remarkable longevity for a player who didn't become a full-time regular until age 28, consistently posting an OPS+ of 115 across nearly two decades.

Cruz exemplified the modern designated hitter evolution, proving that pure offense could sustain a lengthy career even without defensive value. His seven All-Star selections span 13 seasons, a testament to his ability to reinvent his approach while maintaining elite power production well into his forties.