After a long stint on the sidelines, the dynamic Oneil Cruz is back. The Pittsburgh Pirates infielder is considered one of the most exciting players in the game after showing fans glimpses of his brilliance over his first two seasons.
The 25-year-old missed a chunk of the 2023 season due to a fractured left fibula, but an impressive spring has Pirates fans excited about the future. In just 16 games, Cruz has already racked up 7 home runs, 12 hits and 14 RBIs. He is slashing .261/.333/.739 and has an impressive 1.072 OPS as we approach Opening Day.
During the team’s 11-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, Cruz had two home runs and six RBIs.
Oneil Cruz has 7 HRs in 41 spring ABs. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ow8LJtCL6h
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) March 24, 2024
Over three seasons with the Pirates, Cruz is amassed 19 home runs, 61 RBIs and 88 hits over 98 games. He has a lifetime .302 on-base percentage and a .751 OPS.
At 6’7″ with a lanky frame, the Dominican is not your average MLB shortstop. Despite his tall physique, Cruz has shown sound defensive abilities in the field. He also has one of the most powerful arms we have seen from an infielder. Add to that his tantalizing speed and the gusto with which he plays the game, and it is easy to see why the organization rates him so highly. It may be early in his career, but Cruz has already shown that he has the skillset to develop into a true five-tool superstar.
