In a surprising twist to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2023 season, the team has made a significant positional shift for one of their rising stars. Oneil Cruz, traditionally a shortstop, will be transitioning to center field, as confirmed by manager Derek Shelton. This move comes amidst a flurry of team changes and personal developments for Cruz, and it aims to leverage his athleticism and strong throwing arm.
A New Position for a New Chapter
Cruz, at 25 years old, has built his professional career predominantly at shortstop, but his mixed defensive record at the position has prompted this change. Cruising through the 2023 season with a .265/.324/.468 batting line and a 120 OPS+, his offensive stats suggest a thriving player. However, his defense tells a different story. This season alone, Cruz has committed 24 errors, with half of them occurring after July 21. His struggles defensively coupled with a desire to maximize his attributes have led the Pirates to consider an alternative.
Cruz is no stranger to adversity. He suffered a season-ending leg injury in April 2022 during an unfortunate collision at home plate with Seby Zavala. This injury haunted him as he returned to the field, and according to Shelton, it was a factor in deciding to move Cruz to the outfield. "Cruz's season-ending injury last season was a factor in the decision," said Shelton.
An Uncharted Territory
One of the most surprising elements of this transition is Cruz’s lack of experience in center field. He has never played the position at any level of professional baseball. His outfield experience is limited to 80 innings in left field at Triple-A and a single inning in left field in the majors. Given the nuances and demands of center field, this will be a formidable challenge for Cruz, but it's one the Pirates believe he is equipped for. "Cruz will remain a center fielder for the foreseeable future," Shelton confirmed.
Statistical Performance
Regardless of his defensive struggles, Cruz has been a valuable asset to the Pirates' lineup. As August came to a close, he was often slotted in as the designated hitter, indicating his importance as an offensive threat. With 29 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, 63 RBIs, 57 runs, and 17 steals under his belt this season, Cruz has demonstrated a well-rounded offensive game. His contributions have amounted to a 2.5 WAR, marking him as a significant player despite the Pirates’ disappointing team performance overall.
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
Indeed, the Pirates have had a turbulent season, recently enduring a 10-game losing streak which all but extinguished their playoff aspirations. Amidst this backdrop, they've managed to win four of their last six games, showing glimpses of resilience and potential for next season. Cruz’s transition to center field may symbolize a fresh approach as the team looks to re-strategize and rebuild for the future.
Positional shifts are not uncommon in baseball, and this move could prove beneficial for both Cruz and the team. The Pirates are looking to harness his physical talents in a role that demands peak athleticism and arm strength. Whether Cruz will adapt to center field remains to be seen, but the aim is clear: to find a spot where his defensive liabilities do not overshadow his evident offensive prowess.
Looking Forward
This new chapter for Cruz will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The mechanics of playing center field are different from those of shortstop, demanding a blend of speed, precision, and reading the ball off the bat—skills that require time and experience to master. Nevertheless, the organization’s commitment to this change highlights their belief in Cruz's ability to adjust and thrive.
As the Pirates wrap up a season fraught with challenges, Oneil Cruz's position shift is not just a tactical adjustment but a strategic gamble with the potential for high rewards. Time will reveal whether this move will unlock new levels of performance for Cruz and help the Pirates regain their competitive edge.