The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a bold decision in transitioning Oneil Cruz from shortstop to center field, as confirmed by manager Derek Shelton. This move signifies a strategic shift aimed at leveraging Cruz's athleticism and powerful arm, even though it comes with its own set of challenges. Cruz, who is just 25 years old, has never played center field at any level of professional baseball, making this a significant change in his career trajectory.
Adapting to a New Role
Despite his inexperience in the outfield, Cruz has shown promise in other positions. He has played 80 innings in left field at Triple-A and logged a single inning in that spot in the majors. While these experiences might seem limited, they provide a foundation for his current transition. The Pirates' decision comes at a time when the team has essentially fallen out of the playoff race, providing a less pressured environment for Cruz to adapt to his new role.
Mixed Record at Shortstop
At shortstop, Cruz's performance has been inconsistent. According to statistical metrics, his record at the position is mixed, marred further by the 24 errors he has committed this season. Astonishingly, half of these errors occurred since July 21, indicating struggles that perhaps contributed to the Pirates' decision. This performance dip didn't go unnoticed, especially considering Cruz is hitting .265/.324/.468 with a 120 OPS+ this season. His offensive stats include 29 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, 63 RBIs, 57 runs, and 17 steals, culminating in a 2.5 WAR. These numbers highlight his potential impact beyond his defensive liabilities.
Impact of Past Injuries
Cruz’s history of injuries has also played a role in shaping his career. In April 2022, he suffered a broken leg during a home plate collision with Seby Zavala, a season-ending injury that undoubtedly influenced the Pirates' current decision to move him to a new defensive role. As Shelton stated, "Cruz's season-ending injury last season was a factor in the decision."
Offensive Contributions and Future Prospects
Besides his defensive switches, Cruz has functioned effectively as a designated hitter, particularly in late August games. His offensive contributions have been significant, posting a .265/.324/.468 slash line and delivering in clutch situations. Yet, with the Pirates enduring a 10-game losing streak earlier this month and subsequently winning four of their last six games, the team is looking to finish the season on a high note. The decision to move Cruz to center field is part of this broad strategy to better utilize the talents on their roster.
Maximizing Athletic Potential
Shelton's optimism about this move reflects a belief in Cruz's untapped potential. "Cruz will remain a center fielder for the foreseeable future," Shelton confirmed. The hope is that Cruz’s formidable arm and speed will shine more in the outfield than it has at shortstop. This transition could help mitigate the defensive issues Cruz encountered and maximize his strengths.
Interestingly, Cruz isn't the only Pirate dealing with position and injury concerns. Nick Gonzales, another key player, has been out since late July with a groin injury, complicating the team’s infield situation. Gonzales' absence further underscores the necessity of finding flexible solutions, including experimenting with players in new roles.
The Pirates' experiment with Oneil Cruz in center field will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. While the decision comes with significant risks, especially given Cruz's lack of experience in the position, the rewards could be substantial if his physical attributes translate well to center field. The remainder of the season presents a crucial testing ground for Cruz and the Pirates as they look to build momentum and plan for future success.