Pirates Key Player Adjusting Defensively After Transition To Outfield

The Pittsburgh Pirates are experimenting with changes in their lineup as they look ahead toward the end of the regular season.

The Pirates are 71-78 and are all but guaranteed to miss the playoffs this season. With less than 15 games remaining, Pittsburgh has begun experimenting for next season. They moved Oneil Cruz from shortstop to center field with a runway of games in the hope that Cruz’s athleticism would make center field the best position to utilize his skills.

Although Cruz’s transition to center field has yielded mainly positive results, Cruz is still adjusting after struggling defensively this past weekend according to MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf.

“The early returns for Oneil Cruz’s move to center field have generally been positive, seeing him learn to take advantage of his speed and arm to create opportunities he may not have had at shortstop,” Stumpf said. “His defensive work had even graded out well despite learning on the job, with Baseball Savant grading him as +1 Outs Above Average entering play Saturday.”

“Saturday was the first time in his 13 games in center that Cruz seemed to struggle at his new position. In his first handful of games, he’s done well going side to side, making multiple running catches that had roughly 50% catch probabilities, according to Statcast, while standing up. It’s a taste of what he could potentially do at his new position.”

Cruz’s athleticism and cannon of an arm make center field an ideal spot to make a difference defensively. He has impressed the coaching staff with his play in center field, but teachable moments are bound to happen. The Pirates have a bright future with their talented young roster and Cruz’s transition can make them even better.

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