The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a significant shift in their defensive alignment, announcing that Oneil Cruz will be moving from shortstop to center field. This decision, confirmed by manager Derek Shelton, marks a notable transformation in Cruz's professional career, as he has never played center field at any level of professional baseball.
Oneil Cruz, 25, has forged a path in the majors with his impressive hitting abilities. As of late August, he was the team's designated hitter, boasting a batting slash line of .265/.324/.468. His offensive contributions are substantial, with 29 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, 63 RBIs, 57 runs, 17 steals, and a 120 OPS+ this season. Not to be overlooked, his 2.5 WAR highlights his valuable impact on the team's overall performance.
However, Cruz's journey at shortstop has been a mixed bag according to statistical metrics. Over the course of the season, he has committed 24 errors, with half of these occurring since July 21. This inconsistency may have prompted the coaching staff to reconsider his role in the lineup. Derek Shelton's rationale appears to be influenced by both performance and strategic considerations.
One contributing factor to this decision is Cruz's season-ending injury in April 2022, during a home plate collision with Seby Zavala. Shelton acknowledged, "Cruz's season-ending injury last season was a factor in the decision." The Pirates seem intent on preserving Cruz's health and maximizing his athletic prowess on the field.
Although Cruz has not experienced center field at any professional level, he has spent 80 innings playing left field in Triple-A and a solitary inning in left field in the majors. This limited experience in the outfield is likely seen by the coaching staff as a foundation to build upon. The decision to transition him to center field is an effort to harness and utilize his strong arm and athleticism, a shift that could potentially rejuvenate his defensive contributions and bolster the team’s overall dynamics.
Currently, the Pirates find themselves nearly out of the playoff race and recently endured a 10-game losing streak earlier in the month. With the playoffs almost out of reach, the team has won four of their last six games, suggesting some renewed vigor. The team's focus on Cruz's development in center field may be perceived as a long-term investment, aiming to refine their roster for future seasons rather than the immediate playoff picture.
"Cruz will remain a center fielder for the foreseeable future," confirmed Shelton, underscoring the commitment to this new defensive arrangement.
This move also accounts for the uncertainty surrounding Nick Gonzales, who suffered a groin injury in late July, creating an additional variable in the infield. Reconfiguring the defensive structure with Cruz in center field could alleviate some pressure and open opportunities for other players to settle into stable roles.
For Cruz, this transition represents a significant challenge and an opportunity to expand his skill set. The Pirates' strategic shift reflects a broader effort to optimize player talents and address growing team needs. Only time will tell if this gamble will pay off, but with Cruz’s potential and athleticism, the Pirates are hopeful that the decision will yield positive outcomes in the long run.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Cruz adapts to his new role. Should he succeed, the Pittsburgh Pirates might just find themselves with a dynamic and versatile player at the heart of their defense, poised to make impactful contributions well beyond this transitional phase.