The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced a significant positional shift for Oneil Cruz, moving the 25-year-old from shortstop to center field. This strategic decision aims to better utilize Cruz's remarkable athleticism and strong arm. Manager Derek Shelton confirmed the news, adding another chapter to the evolving story of the talented player.
Transition to Center Field
Cruz has primarily carved out his identity on the diamond as a shortstop, despite having a mixed defensive record at the position. This season, he's accumulated 24 errors, half of which have come since July 21. The decision to move him comes after much consideration, especially in light of his season-ending leg injury from a home plate collision with Seby Zavala in April 2022. "Cruz's season-ending injury last season was a factor in the decision," noted Shelton.
Interestingly, Cruz has no professional experience playing center field. He has spent 80 innings in Triple-A left field and a single inning in left field at the major league level. Despite this lack of experience, the Pirates are optimistic about the transition. "Cruz will remain a center fielder for the foreseeable future," Shelton confirmed.
Offensive Strength
Though his defense has been a point of concern, Cruz's offensive numbers paint a different picture. As of late August, he has been featuring in the lineup as the designated hitter, boasting a slash line of .265/.324/.468. His power is evident with 18 home runs, 29 doubles, and three triples. He has driven in 63 runs and crossed the plate 57 times. His impressive 120 OPS+ and a 2.5 WAR underline his offensive contributions.
Broader Team Context
The Pirates have experienced a tumultuous season, marked by periods of struggle and slow recovery. A recent 10-game losing streak earlier this month effectively ended their playoff aspirations, despite winning four of their last six games. Cruz's struggles at shortstop and his injury history have prompted the organization to reconsider his role.
In the backdrop of this positional shift is the injury bug that has plagued the Pirates, including a groin injury to Nick Gonzales in late July. With the team falling out of playoff contention, this move appears to be a part of a broader strategy to evaluate and optimize player positions for the future. "Cruz's shift to center field aims to maximize his strong arm and athleticism," noted an insider familiar with the team's strategy.
The Road Ahead
While the transition to center field is set, the long-term impact of this move remains to be seen. The Pirates are betting on Cruz's athletic abilities to adapt to a new position at the highest level of baseball. Fans and analysts alike will closely monitor Cruz's performance in center field as the season progresses.
This experimental phase will not only test Cruz’s adaptability but also offer the Pirates insights into how they can structure their defense around his skills. As the team continues to rebuild and re-strategize, Cruz's development in center field could potentially serve as a cornerstone for their future endeavors.
For now, the Pirates and their fans can look forward to seeing how Oneil Cruz will fare in his new position, hoping that this change will unlock new dimensions of his game and help steer the team towards a brighter future.