The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a significant decision regarding the future of one of their most promising players. Oneil Cruz, who has long been known for his intriguing potential and athletic prowess, will be transitioning from shortstop to center field, a move confirmed by skipper Derek Shelton.
This transition marks a pivotal moment in Cruz's career. The 25-year-old has never played center field at any level of professional baseball, making this a bold shift for both the player and the team. Historically, Cruz's experience in the outfield is limited to 80 innings in Triple-A and a single inning in the majors, both in left field. Despite this limited background, Shelton is confident in the young player's abilities, stating unequivocally, "Cruz will remain a center fielder for the foreseeable future."
At shortstop, Cruz's performance has been mixed, both statistically and anecdotally. He's committed 24 errors this season, with half of those occurring since July 21. His inconsistent glove work undoubtedly played a role in the Pirates' decision to move him out of the infield. According to Shelton, Cruz's season-ending injury last year—a broken leg from a home plate collision with Seby Zavala in April 2022—also influenced the team's decision.
Athleticism Front and Center
One of the primary reasons behind this position change is to harness Cruz's natural athleticism and strong arm to greater effect. While his raw fielding metrics at shortstop have been less than ideal, the Pirates believe that his skill set could be better utilized in the expansive outfield of PNC Park. The move to center field is aimed at maximizing his physical gifts, transforming a liability into a potential asset for the team.
Despite the defensive struggles, Cruz has demonstrated considerable value at the plate. This season, he is hitting .265/.324/.468 with a 120 OPS+, alongside 29 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, 63 RBIs, 57 runs, and 17 steals. This offensive production has contributed to a 2.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), making Cruz a key figure in the Pirates' lineup.
Current Team Dynamics
As of late August, Cruz has been serving primarily as the team's designated hitter. His return to regular field duty will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike. The Pirates, who have slid out of playoff contention following a 10-game losing streak earlier this month, have recently shown some signs of life, winning four of their last six games. Unfortunately, the team's struggles have made it difficult to garner any real momentum.
Several other factors have also influenced team dynamics this season. For example, Nick Gonzales's groin injury in late July added to the Pirates' challenges, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptation within the roster. The hope is that Cruz's shift to center field will add a new dimension to the team’s defensive and overall play.
Looking Forward
Much remains uncertain as Oneil Cruz embarks on this new chapter in his career. While shifting a player with his limited outfield experience to one of the most demanding positions on the field may appear risky, it's clear that the Pirates are betting on Cruz’s athleticism and potential to drive the team's future success. "Cruz's season-ending injury last season was a factor in the decision," noted Shelton, alluding to the broader context within which this strategic move is being made.
The fan base will undoubtedly watch Cruz's performance with keen interest. If he can adapt to his new role and continue to deliver offensively, this move could prove to be a defining moment—not just for Cruz, but for the Pirates' long-term trajectory.