Pirates Star Oneil Cruz Had Adorable Reason For Position Switch

Oneil Cruz switched full-time to center field last season, and the Pirates superstar had a personal reason to do so.

Pittsburgh decided on the switch late last season, and after a short adjustment period, Cruz enjoyed the transition. The 26-year-old was able to utilize his arm strength and speed in the outfield better than he could at shortstop. The on-field fit was a driving factor, but his son, Oneil, also played a role in the position switch.

“I better move to the outfield because I want to move to the outfield like you,” Cruz’s son told him, per Hannah Mears of SportsNet Pittsburgh.

It was his son’s comment that inspired him to take hold of his new baseball identity and become the first player in his family to play in the outfield; his father, Rafael Cruz, was a pitcher in the 2000s.

The Pirates’ moves this offseason helped complement Oneil Cruz’s full-time role. Tommy Pham rounds out the outfield trio with Bryan Reynolds. Isiah Kiner-Falefa is expected to start at shortstop on Opening Day alongside new signing Adam Frazier.

Last season was the first time Cruz played over 100 games in his four-year major league career, and the switch to the outfield could help him play more games and contribute to Pittsburgh this season.