The Pittsburgh Pirates’ offense has struggled this year, but Oneil Cruz has been a bright spot.
The dynamic center fielder connected for his 20th home run of the season on Tuesday, helping the Pirates beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-2 at Great American Ball Park. Cruz took Brady Singer deep for a two-run shot in the top of the second, contributing to Pittsburgh’s four-run frame.
With a National League-high 38 stolen bases this year as well, Cruz joined the 20/20 club for the second straight season. He finished 2024 with 21 homers and 22 steals.
Cruz is just the sixth player in Pirates history with multiple 20/20 campaigns, joining Barry Bonds (four), teammate Andrew McCutchen (three), Starling Marte, Andy Van Slyke and Hall of Famer Dave Parker. He’s only the fourth player in team history to go 20/30, joining Bonds (four times), Van Slyke (twice) and Marte.
“I feel very proud to be part of that group, especially with a legend like Barry Bonds,” Cruz told MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf via interpreter and coach Stephen Morales. “Knowing that I’m right there with him, it makes me really proud.”
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It’s been a slow march to 20/20 this summer for Cruz, who has just two long balls and a .151/.250/.245 batting line over his last 34 games. After clubbing his 19th homer on Aug. 30, he went 18 games without a dinger before smashing his 20th.
Conversely, Cruz reached 20 stolen bases much faster, hitting that milestone on June 1. He participated in the Home Run Derby in July, which may have affected his swing.
Despite his second-half slump and IL stint in August, the 26-year-old still leads Pittsburgh in homers. He has a few more games to try to match or eclipse his career-high in four-baggers (21) from last season.
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He only needs two more steals to join the 20/40 club, although he’s slowed on the bases as well with just four thefts over his last 40 games. If he gets there, he’ll be just the second Pirates player to do so after Bonds (twice).
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Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images