Pittsburgh Pirates' Oneil Cruz Shifts to Center Field Amid Season Struggles
In a surprising move, the Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that Oneil Cruz, who has primarily served as their shortstop, will be transitioning to center field. This decision, confirmed by manager Derek Shelton, marks a significant change for the 25-year-old who has never played center field at any level of professional baseball.
Cruz's transition is motivated largely by his athleticism and strong arm, attributes that Shelton believes will be maximized in center field. "Cruz will remain a center fielder for the foreseeable future," Shelton stated, indicating that the team views this as a long-term adjustment rather than a short-term experiment.
Oneil Cruz's journey in 2023 has been a rollercoaster. As of late August, he found himself in the lineup primarily as the designated hitter. While this season saw him hitting a respectable .265/.324/.468 with a 120 OPS+, his defensive performance at shortstop was less impressive. Statistically, Cruz has had a mixed record, and his 24 errors this season have been a glaring issue. With half of these errors coming since July 21, it became clear that something needed to change.
The decision to move Cruz is not just about his defensive struggles. It's also about maximizing his overall contribution to the team in a season where the Pirates have struggled. Cruz has displayed power and speed, contributing 18 home runs, 29 doubles, three triples, and 17 steals. His 2.5 WAR underlines his value, but the Pirates hope this shift to center field will leverage his physical tools more effectively.
Adding another layer to Cruz's story is his unfortunate injury history. In April 2022, Cruz broke his leg during a home plate collision with Seby Zavala, a setback that undoubtedly played a role in his career trajectory. "Cruz's season-ending injury last season was a factor in the decision," Shelton admitted, highlighting how significant injuries can often necessitate position changes to prolong a player's career and effectiveness.
So far, Cruz's professional experience in the outfield is limited. He has played 80 innings in left field at the Triple-A level and has appeared for just a single inning in left field in the majors. Despite this, the Pirates' coaching staff appears confident in Cruz's ability to adapt quickly, banking on his athletic prowess to mitigate the steep learning curve.
As the Pirates' season winds down, the team is essentially out of playoff contention, especially following a 10-game losing streak earlier this month. However, there have been sparks of life recently, with the team winning four of its last six games. The decision to shift Cruz to center field could inject fresh energy into the lineup and field, providing an opportunity to evaluate how this change impacts overall team performance.
It's also worth noting the context of the Pirates' roster, which has been marred by injuries and inconsistent performances. Nick Gonzales, for example, suffered a groin injury in late July, adding to the team's challenges. These factors have undoubtedly influenced the tactical decisions made by the Pirates' management.
For Cruz, this positional shift could represent a turning point. His offensive stats, including 63 RBIs and 57 runs, already point to a player capable of making significant contributions. If his transition to center field goes smoothly, it might not only benefit the Pirates in the short term but could also redefine Cruz's career trajectory, positioning him as an invaluable asset in a new role.
As the Pirates look to salvage what remains of their season, all eyes will be on Cruz and his performance in center field. This bold move, driven by a mix of necessity and opportunity, reflects the dynamic nature of baseball where adaptability and strategy often go hand in hand.