Pirates’ New Outfielder Oneil Cruz Shows Promise In Debut Game

The Pittsburgh Pirates recently decided to move shortstop Oneil Cruz to center field. He played his first game in the outfield in the Pirates’ 14-10 loss to the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park.

Cruz had a pair of putouts in his first game in center field. Although Cruz made these routine plays, it was a single throw that caught the eyes of Pirates’ fans and the organization alike. After a single was hit to center, Cruz attempted to throw Nico Hoerner out at the plate.

Cruz fired the ball into the plate but got an error on the throw as Yasmani Grandal could not pick the ball. The throw by Cruz highlighted the promise he shows at center field according to Sports Illustrated’s Nathaniel Marrero.

“Cruz’s throw was 103.3 miles per hour, the second-hardest this season, according to Baseball Savant. He only trails Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser, whose hardest throw was 104.3 MPH.”

“With Pittsburgh all but out of the wild card race barring one of the greatest runs in MLB history, Cruz only playing center field for the rest of the season shouldn’t be out of the question. The more reps he can get, the better it is for his development and it can accelerate his learning curve and development at the new position.”

Cruz has one of the best arms of a position player in the entire league but unfortunately makes many errors. Cruz had an average throwing velocity of 95.6 miles per hour showing his arm translates well to the outfield. The Pirates may have found something special if Cruz improves his fielding to match his arm.

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