In Pittsburgh, the conversation around Oneil Cruz's recent performance is heating up, and it’s not just about his on-field struggles. Pirates GM Ben Cherington’s comments linking Cruz’s Opening Day mishaps to the World Baseball Classic have left fans shaking their heads. It seems like the GM might have crossed a line between support and making excuses.
Cruz, a player of immense talent, doesn’t need a reminder of his mistakes. The misjudged ball that turned into a three-run triple and the sun-blinded error are moments that stick with any player. Cruz knows it, and so does everyone else watching.
This isn’t an isolated incident for Cruz. His defensive struggles have been an ongoing discussion within the organization.
When Cherington suggests the WBC as a factor, noting Cruz’s lack of outfield reps, fans are skeptical. Three weeks of missed reps explaining instinctual lapses?
It’s a tough sell.
Cherington’s comments suggest a need to support Cruz, which is crucial for a player with his potential. The Pirates need Cruz to be confident and improving if they’re to make a splash in 2026. But there’s a fine line between offering support and making excuses.
Fans aren’t asking for Cruz to be publicly criticized or for the team to panic. They’re asking for accountability that matches the stakes, especially when Cruz’s errors overshadow a stellar performance from ace Paul Skenes. The disparity in expectations between pitchers and Cruz is evident, and it’s starting to create frustration.
At some point, the narrative of “he’s working on it” needs to evolve. The process of improvement is ongoing, but blaming the World Baseball Classic feels like a stretch. It’s time for the Pirates to find a balance between nurturing their star and holding him accountable.