In a bold move to bolster their lineup, the Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that the 25-year-old infield phenom Oneil Cruz will be transitioning from shortstop to center field. Manager Derek Shelton confirmed the decision, stating, "Cruz will remain a center fielder for the foreseeable future." This shift marks a significant change for Cruz, who has never played center field at any level of professional baseball.
A Struggling Season for the Pirates
The Pirates have encountered formidable challenges this season, highlighted by a 10-game losing streak earlier this month that all but dashed their playoff hopes. Despite a recent surge, with the team winning four of their last six games, they remain on the outside looking in for postseason contention. The decision to move Cruz to the outfield appears to be a strategic effort to maximize the young player's strong arm and exceptional athleticism.
Background and Performance
Cruz, who has spent the majority of the season as a designated hitter since late August, has a mixed record at shortstop according to statistical metrics. He has committed 24 errors this season, with half of those occurring since July 21. These struggles, combined with Cruz's season-ending leg injury in April 2022 from a home plate collision with Seby Zavala, have contributed to the decision to move him to center field.
Offensively, Cruz has been a consistent performer, hitting .265/.324/.468 with a 120 OPS+ this season. Additionally, he has tallied 29 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, 63 RBIs, 57 runs, and 17 steals, accumulating a 2.5 WAR. These statistics highlight his potential to impact the game in multiple facets, a potential the Pirates hope to fully unlock in his new defensive position.
Transition to Center Field
Transitioning to center field is uncharted territory for Cruz, but he has dabbled in the outfield before, playing 80 innings of Triple-A in left field and a single inning in left field in the majors. His athleticism and arm strength are assets that could lead to a successful transition. "Cruz's season-ending injury last season was a factor in the decision," Shelton revealed, suggesting that the move aims to reduce the physical toll on Cruz while capitalizing on his athletic prowess.
A Look at the Future
As the Pirates continue to rebuild and reevaluate their strategies, the decision to shift Cruz to center field is seen as a step towards fortifying their defense and enhancing their overall performance. While the Pirates' playoff aspirations for this season may be fading, the promise of a more dynamic and defensively versatile Cruz offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future.