The Pittsburgh Pirates have made an unexpected move by announcing that Oneil Cruz will transition from his usual shortstop position to center field. The decision, confirmed by manager Derek Shelton, is a significant shift for the 25-year-old who has never played center field at any level of professional baseball.
A New Challenge for Cruz
Oneil Cruz's transition to center field comes at a time when the Pirates are essentially out of the playoff race, having recently endured a 10-game losing streak. Despite winning four of their last six games, the team is looking for fresh strategies to maximize their available talent. Cruz’s shift aims to capitalize on his strong arm and athleticism, qualities that Shelton believes make him well-suited for the outfield role. "Cruz will remain a center fielder for the foreseeable future," Shelton affirmed.
Performance Metrics and Positional Struggles
At shortstop, Cruz has had a mixed record according to statistical metrics and has committed 24 errors this season, with half of those errors coming since July 21. His struggles in the infield might have contributed to the decision to explore his potential in the outfield. Notably, Cruz has some, albeit limited, experience in the outfield with 80 innings played in Triple-A left field and a single inning in left field in the majors.
A Productive Season Despite Setbacks
Offensively, Cruz has been a solid contributor for the Pirates. This season, he is hitting .265/.324/.468 with a 120 OPS+. His numbers include 29 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, 63 RBIs, 57 runs, and 17 steals, culminating in a 2.5 WAR. These statistics underscore his value as a player, even as the team redefines his role within the squad.
Impact of Previous Injuries
Part of Cruz's career trajectory has been shaped by injuries. He broke his leg in April 2022 during a home plate collision with Seby Zavala, a season-ending injury that Derek Shelton acknowledges as influential in the recent decision. "Cruz's season-ending injury last season was a factor in the decision," Shelton explained. Additionally, the team has had to adapt to other injuries, such as Nick Gonzales’ groin injury in late July, further complicating their roster decisions.
In the Lineup as Designated Hitter
As of late August, Cruz has been in the lineup primarily as the designated hitter. His current form at the plate indicates that he can continue to contribute offensively while adjusting to his new defensive role. The designated hitter position allows him to focus on maintaining his batting performance even as he transitions to a new position on the field.
The Pirates’ decision to move Cruz to center field is a bold strategy aimed at leveraging his physical attributes to potentially shore up their defense. Whether Cruz can adapt to this new role remains to be seen, but his athletic prowess and strong arm suggest that he could indeed make a successful transition.
As the season progresses, the Pirates and their fans will watch closely to see how Cruz handles the outfield. This move represents a significant chapter in Cruz’s career and an intriguing development for the team as they navigate their current standings and look ahead to future seasons.