Pirates' Oneil Cruz to Transition from Shortstop to Center Field
In a strategic move to better utilize his athletic abilities, the Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that Oneil Cruz, their 25-year-old dynamo, will be transitioning from shortstop to center field. Derek Shelton, the team's manager, confirmed the decision, stating, "Cruz will remain a center fielder for the foreseeable future."
The shift comes amid a challenging season for both the team and Cruz. The Pirates, who have all but fallen out of the playoff race, recently endured a grueling 10-game losing streak. However, they have shown signs of resilience, winning four of their last six games. As the team looks to rebuild and reconfigure, Cruz's move to center field signifies an attempt to leverage his strong arm and impressive athleticism in a more effective manner.
Cruz, who has primarily served as the designated hitter since late August, has never played center field at any level of professional baseball. Although he has logged 80 innings in left field at Triple-A and a solitary inning in left field in the majors, transitioning to center field will present new challenges. Nevertheless, Shelton and the coaching staff believe it's a move worth making, given Cruz's mixed record at shortstop. He has made 24 errors this season, half of which came since July 21, and statistical metrics have painted an inconsistent picture of his defensive prowess.
Delving into Cruz's stats this season reveals a player of considerable talent. He's hitting .265/.324/.468 with a 120 OPS+. His offensive contributions include 29 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, 63 RBIs, 57 runs, and 17 steals, culminating in a 2.5 WAR. These numbers illustrate his potential at the plate, making it all the more crucial for the Pirates to find a defensive position where he can excel without detracting from his batting performance.
Shelton noted that Cruz’s season-ending injury last year, when he broke his leg during a home plate collision with Seby Zavala in April 2022, factored into the decision. "Cruz's season-ending injury last season was a factor in the decision," Shelton explained. The injury underscores the need to protect Cruz from high-risk plays that come with being an infielder.
The transition is certainly not without its risks. Asking a player to shift positions, especially to one as demanding as center field, can be a gamble. However, the Pirates are banking on Cruz’s exceptional physicality and innate baseball instincts to facilitate a smooth adjustment. Given his strong arm and ability to cover ground quickly, the hope is that he will adapt and eventually thrive in this new role.
Off the field, the Pirates have faced additional challenges. Nick Gonzales, another key player, suffered a groin injury in late July, adding to the team's woes. With the team struggling to find consistency, every decision, including Cruz’s position shift, carries considerable weight.
As the Pirates look to the future, they aim to create a configuration that allows for individual growth and overall team success. With only a handful of games remaining in the season, the organization will be watching keenly to see how Cruz adapts to his new role. The move to center field is bold, but it is emblematic of a team willing to take calculated risks to unlock the full potential of its players.
For now, all eyes will be on Oneil Cruz as he embarks on this new chapter of his career. If he can translate his offensive prowess to a stable defensive performance in center field, the Pirates may have found the winning formula they desperately need.