Oneil Cruz is headed to the home run derby. The Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder announced on Tuesday that he would be participating in this year’s derby.
The outfielder is known for his eye-popping exit velocity numbers. Earlier this season, Cruz set the record for the hardest hit home run since Statcast was introduced in 2015. The ball, a solo shot against the Milwaukee Brewers, was measured at 122.9 mph. It traveled 432 feet.
Because of his power, Cruz has been asked to participate in the derby before, but turned it down to focus on his health.
“They’ve been trying to get me in the Home Run Derby for the last couple years, but last year, I was coming back from an ankle injury and was not feeling that good at that time,” Cruz said.
This year, he accepted the invitation, in part due to his family.
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“It’s something that my wife and two kids wanted me to do,” Cruz said. “[My kids] are happier than me. For sure, they’re gonna enjoy the whole thing.”
Cruz shouldn’t have a hard time getting the ball out of the ballpark. Statcast park factors show that left-handed hitters have had an easier time going yard in Truist Park.
After accepting the invitation, Cruz showed off his power with a 458-foot homer in the Pirates’ 4-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals.
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Featured image via Katie Stratman/Imagn Images