Oneil Cruz's New Role: A Bold Move by the Pittsburgh Pirates
In a surprise move, the Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that Oneil Cruz will be transitioning from shortstop to center field. This decision, confirmed by manager Derek Shelton, is a significant shift in Cruz's career path, especially given that he has never played center field at any level of professional baseball.
A Change in the Making
Cruz's performance at shortstop has been mixed, as reflected by statistical metrics. With a total of 24 errors this season, half of which have been committed since July 21, it is evident that the 25-year-old has struggled with consistency. This issue is compounded by his history of injuries, including a broken leg sustained in April 2022 during a home plate collision with Seby Zavala.
As of late August, Cruz has been in the lineup as the designated hitter, a role that temporarily removed him from the defensive spotlight. Nevertheless, the Pirates believe that his athleticism and strong arm could be better utilized in the outfield. The shift aims to maximize Cruz's physical attributes while addressing his limitations at shortstop.
New Beginnings in Center Field
The transition to center field is not entirely out of the blue. Cruz has some experience in the outfield, having played 80 innings of Triple-A in left field and a solitary inning in the majors. While these numbers are hardly comprehensive, they do indicate a degree of versatility that the Pirates hope to harness.
"Cruz will remain a center fielder for the foreseeable future," stated Derek Shelton, signaling a long-term commitment to this new arrangement. Shelton also noted that Cruz's season-ending injury last season was a factor in this decision, possibly indicating a need to minimize the physical toll on the player.
Offensive Performance
Offensively, Cruz has been a valuable asset. He is hitting .265/.324/.468 this season, embodying a solid presence at the plate. His 120 OPS+ attests to his above-average performance, and he has contributed significantly with 29 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, 63 RBIs, 57 runs, and 17 steals, resulting in a 2.5 WAR for the season.
Despite his contributions, the Pirates' playoff hopes have dwindled. The team experienced a 10-game losing streak earlier this month, effectively pushing them out of the postseason race. However, there has been a glimmer of improvement, with the Pirates winning four of their last six games.
Looking Ahead
The decision to move Cruz to center field is a calculated risk designed to leverage his strengths while mitigating past issues. While the Pirates' chances this season may be slim, the team appears to be building for the future. With Cruz's new role, the Pirates are investing in his potential as an elite all-around player.
A New Chapter
Cruz's journey from shortstop to center field marks a new chapter in his career. As he takes on this fresh challenge, all eyes will be on how his athleticism and strong arm translate to perhaps the most demanding outfield position. For now, the Pirates and their fans will be watching closely, hopeful that this bold move pays off in the long run.