One of the biggest letdowns from the Pirates’ 2023 season was the loss of shortstop Oneil Cruz to injury after just nine games in what was set to finally be his breakout season. Thankfully, Cruz is now back from injury and has been a major headline during Spring Training as he aims to return to form. Given what we’ve seen so far from Bradenton, it should be an exciting season with the Dominican superstar in tow.
For the first time in a long time, this Pittsburgh ball club is a squad that could have multiple players rake in 20+ homers in a season, and Cruz is certainly a huge part of that potential.