Bucs Dugout · Jul 27, 2022
Despite questions, locking in Oneil Cruz should be a priority for Pirates
Photo by Justin Berl/Getty ImagesOneil Cruz is a unicorn.
If you think you’ve seen anything like who the Pittsburgh Pirates have manning the lead role inside the diamond, you’re lying to yourself.
The tallest shortstop in MLB history at 6’7”, Cruz brings a Pandora's box of abilities to the the baseball field both as a batter and defender.
Cruz threw a baseball to first the fastest of any player in the Statcast era, dating back to 2015. The 97.8mph throw was faster than almost every PITCHER the Pirates have deployed in 2022.
Cruz can hit the ball a mile out of the ballpark and easily recorded the hardest-hit ball for the Bucs this season only days after being promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis.