Nelson Cruz has unfinished business. The Padres have unfinished business. Maybe that’s why the two are such an obvious fit.

Cruz’s one-year deal with the Padres became official on Monday after he passed his physical in his native Dominican Republic. A day later, Cruz spoke with reporters via Zoom and gushed about the situation in San Diego.

In short, for a 19-year big leaguer still in search of that elusive first World Series title, this was the perfect fit.

“That was the thing that I was looking for,” Cruz said. “A chance to win the World Series. I got other offers that I think were, money-wise, better. But at the end of the day, before my career [is over], I want to win it.”

Of course, there’s a lot more to this deal than Cruz’s (and the Padres’) quest for a title. The Padres wouldn’t have signed Cruz if they didn’t think there was a place for him to contribute.