In a surprising twist, the Pittsburgh Pirates have decided to shift Oneil Cruz from his usual shortstop position to center field. The announcement, confirmed by manager Derek Shelton, signals a significant change for Cruz, who has never played center field at any level of professional baseball.
At 25 years old, Cruz has predominantly served as a shortstop for the Pirates, although he's also seen some action in left field. This season alone, he's logged 80 innings at Triple-A and a solitary inning in the majors in left field. However, his journey as a shortstop has been a tumultuous one, littered with errors. This season, Cruz has made a total of 24 errors, half of which have come since July 21. His defensive struggles have been one reason behind this strategic shift.
The move also aims to capitalize on Cruz's unique physical attributes—his strong arm and exceptional athleticism—which the Pirates believe can be maximized in center field. Shelton succinctly summed up the organization’s mindset, stating, "Cruz will remain a center fielder for the foreseeable future." This decision also takes into account Cruz's unfortunate injury history. "Cruz's season-ending injury last season was a factor in the decision," added Shelton. Cruz had broken his leg in a home plate collision with Seby Zavala in April 2022, a pivotal moment that perhaps foreshadowed his change of position.
Offensive Contribution
Despite his defensive issues, Cruz has been a steady contributor for the Pirates at the plate. This season, he boasts a .265/.324/.468 batting line, along with an impressive 120 OPS+. His offensive stats include 29 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, 63 RBIs, 57 runs, and 17 steals, resulting in a 2.5 WAR. As of late August, Cruz was still in the lineup, albeit as a designated hitter, offering a glimpse into his offensive reliability.
A Team in Transition
The Pirates' decision also comes at a time when the team has essentially fallen out of the playoff race. They endured a 10-game losing streak earlier this month, although they've managed to win four of their last six games. This position shift for Cruz seems part of a broader strategy to recalibrate the team and focus on maximizing the strengths of its individual players.
Looking to the Future
With the remainder of the season unfolding, all eyes will be on how Cruz adapts to his new role in center field. The organization, fans, and even Cruz himself will be monitoring his performance closely, evaluating whether this move can harness his potential more effectively. Given his mixed record at shortstop, a switch to center field might offer Cruz a fresh start, free from the defensive lapses that have haunted him thus far.
For now, Cruz’s transition from the infield to the outfield marks an intriguing chapter in his career and another tactical evolution for the Pirates. Whether or not this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but it undeniably underscores Pittsburgh’s commitment to finding new ways to leverage the talents of their roster.