Pirates Prospect Update: Is Tsung-Che Cheng ready for Pittsburgh?

On this edition of the Pirates’ Prospect Update series, we take a look at where Tsung-Che Cheng is at in his career and if he’s ready to make the jump to Pittsburgh.

Given that Oneil Cruz will now be playing in the outfield, there is a vacancy at shortstop, and Cheng could be just the player to take on that roll. Since making his American debut in 2021, Cheng has quickly rose through the ranks, dominating in Greensboro before advancing to Altoona in 2023, and then to Indianapolis in 2024.

In his short time in the Minors, he has shown the ability to adapt to the competition at the next-level and just may be the best defensive shortstop in the Pirates’ system right now. Cruz was at times a…