Oneil Cruz's Move to Center Field: A Calculated Gamble by the Pittsburgh Pirates
In a notable shift, the Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that 25-year-old Oneil Cruz will be transitioning from shortstop to center field. This decision, confirmed by Pirates manager Derek Shelton, aims to harness Cruz's exceptional arm strength and athleticism in hopes of reinvigorating the team’s defensive strategy.
Cruz, who has been a mainstay at shortstop for the Pirates, brings a mix of power and speed to his game, boasting a .265/.324/.468 slash line this season along with 29 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, and 63 RBIs. Despite these impressive numbers, his defensive metrics at shortstop have been inconsistent, reflected in the 24 errors he committed this season—half of which occurred since July 21.
“Cruz will remain a center fielder for the foreseeable future,” Shelton stated, indicating that the team is committed to this change long-term. However, this shift is not without its risks. Cruz has never played center field at any professional level, making this move a relatively untested strategy. His prior experience includes 80 innings at Triple-A in left field and a solitary inning in left field in the majors, none of which can sufficiently simulate the challenges of playing center field at the MLB level.
Nonetheless, the Pirates believe the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Cruz’s significant arm strength—a key attribute for center field—is expected to shine more effectively in this new role, potentially covering more ground and reducing errors. “Cruz's season-ending injury last season was a factor in the decision,” Shelton revealed, alluding to the broken leg Cruz suffered during a home plate collision with Seby Zavala in April 2022. This history seems to have played a part in re-evaluating his position on the field.
As of late August, Cruz has been primarily serving as the designated hitter, allowing him a gradual transition back to full defensive duties. His offensive contributions remain noteworthy, with a 120 OPS+ this season, along with 17 steals and an accumulated 2.5 WAR. These statistics underscore his value to the team, reaffirming the Pirates' effort to maximize his overall potential.
The Pirates are essentially out of the playoff race this season, having recently endured a tough 10-game losing streak although they have managed to win four of their last six games. As the team finds itself in a rebuilding phase, shaking up the roster and strategically repositioning players like Cruz may provide the spark needed for a stronger showing in future seasons.
Additionally, the team is dealing with other injuries, including a groin injury suffered by Nick Gonzales in late July, further emphasizing the need to adapt and explore different configurations to optimize the roster’s capabilities.
While Cruz’s defensive shift carries a degree of uncertainty, it’s a bold move that underscores the Pirates' commitment to leveraging their players' strengths. With the season winding down, all eyes will be on Cruz as he embarks on this new challenge. The experiment with Cruz in center field will be closely monitored, not just for the remainder of this season but also as a potential long-term strategy for the Pirates.
Whether this calculated gamble pays off will hinge on Cruz’s adaptability and the team’s ability to support him through this transition. But one thing is clear: the Pittsburgh Pirates are willing to make unconventional moves to find a winning formula for the future.