Oneil Cruz Makes Surprise Position Change for the Pittsburgh Pirates
In a bold move that could reconfigure the dynamics of their roster, the Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that Oneil Cruz will shift from shortstop to center field. The decision, confirmed by Pirates' manager Derek Shelton, comes as a shock to many, given Cruz's inexperience in the outfield.
"Cruz will remain a center fielder for the foreseeable future," Shelton stated, confirming the long-term vision the team holds for Cruz in this new role. The 25-year-old has never played center field at any level of professional baseball, adding a layer of intrigue and challenge to his transition. Despite his lack of experience in this specific position, Cruz has played 80 innings of Triple-A in left field and logged a solitary inning in left field in the majors.
Oneil Cruz's season has been a roller-coaster. As of late August, he was predominantly in the lineup as the designated hitter, reflecting his mixed record at shortstop and a series of errors that have haunted his performance. This season, Cruz has made 24 errors, with half of them occurring since July 21. His struggles on the field, compounded by a broken leg sustained during a home plate collision with Seby Zavala in April 2022, certainly played a part in this strategic shift. "Cruz's season-ending injury last season was a factor in the decision," Shelton noted, shedding light on the considerations behind this unexpected move.
However, Cruz's prowess at the plate cannot be overlooked. This season, Cruz boasts a .265/.324/.468 batting line with a 120 OPS+, demonstrating his capability as a valuable offensive asset. His stats include 29 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, 63 RBIs, 57 runs, 17 steals, and a 2.5 WAR, highlighting his all-around contributions to the team.
The Pirates' season has been tumultuous, to say the least. Having essentially fallen out of the playoff race, the team recently endured a 10-game losing streak earlier this month. Despite this setback, they have shown signs of recovery, winning four of their last six games. Cruz's move to center field appears to be a strategic gamble aimed at maximizing his strong arm and athleticism, potentially providing a spark for the struggling team.
As the Pirates look forward to the rest of the season, all eyes will be on Oneil Cruz and his adaptation to center field. While his inexperience in the outfield poses a risk, his impressive athletic capability and offensive consistency could make him a formidable presence. The Pittsburgh Pirates are certainly taking a chance, but if Cruz can rise to the challenge, it could very well redefine his career trajectory and impact the team's future success.