Oneil Cruz returned from single-digit games in 2023 to suit up 146 times for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024. He made strides back to form with 21 home runs and 22 stolen bases for Pittsburgh.
Cruz gets his first full season in center field after a position shift late last year for the Pirates. If he can take another step forward in production, the talented young star can join a short list in team history.
Only two players have launched 25 home runs and stolen 25 bases in a season. Barry Bonds did it four times (1987, 1990-92) and Andy Van Slyke added the other season in 1988. Cruz’s unique skillset should create an obtainable uptick to become just the third player in team history to reach this mark.
Cruz hasn’t played more than 100 games in consecutive seasons at the MLB, so he’ll chase that availability this season as well for the Pirates.
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Featured image via Kim Klement Neitzel/Imagn Images