The Pittsburgh Pirates recently made an important decision.
Pittsburgh was in the mix for a National League Wild Card spot for much of the summer but recently has struggled. At this point, making the playoffs is unrealistic. While this is the case, there still is plenty to like about this Pirates team.
No matter what happens over the next few weeks, this season has been a success. Pittsburgh is loaded with young talent that now has another year under their belts. The Pirates were fighting for a playoff spot and likely will be right in the mix again next season and likely will be even better.
Even though the Pirates aren’t in the mix for a playoff spot any longer, there still is a lot to watch for over the next few weeks. Pittsburgh recently moved shortstop Oneil Cruz to center field to see if he could have a long-term future in the outfield. It was a good idea, but the timing of the move has “surprised” rival executives, according to USA Today Sports’ Bob Nightengale.
“Rival executives were surprised the Pirates decided to move 25-year-old shortstop Oneil Cruz to center field with a month still remaining in the season, and not simply waiting until this winter,” Nightengale said.
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Cruz already has shown some promise in the outfield and the position change could end up being something to watch out for heading into the 2025 campaign. The timing of the move was somewhat surprising because they could focus on a position change in the winter rather than attempting to make changes with a little time left in the season. But, things have worked out so far.
Pittsburgh certainly has a bright future and Cruz is a major reason why no matter what position he is playing.
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Featured image via Isaiah J. Downing/USA TODAY Sports