Ever since Oneil Cruz arrived in Bradenton for spring training, he’s been the buzz of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s in peak condition, noticeably stronger, sporting a fresh haircut, and carrying a renewed focus. He’s been diving right into work with mentorship from four-time Gold Glover Kevin Kiermaier to sharpen his instincts in center field.
But then came Wednesday.
In the third inning against the Atlanta Braves, Cruz tracked a fly ball from Drake Baldwin. The route he took?
Let’s just say it could’ve used some GPS guidance. He overran it significantly, without the aid of sunglasses or eye black, leaving Pirates fans exasperated.
This is the Oneil Cruz experience in center field.
Despite the fielding mishap, Cruz showcased his offensive prowess, going 2-for-2 with a walk, a stolen base, and a run scored. That’s the paradox of Cruz.
His physical abilities are jaw-dropping. Last year, he tied with Juan Soto for the NL lead with 38 stolen bases, showcasing his athleticism.
His exit velocities are off the charts-when he connects, it’s something special.
However, the finer details of the game-routes, reads, and consistent engagement-are what separate elite defenders from those still developing.
This season is pivotal for Cruz. He’s coming off a challenging offensive year with a .200 average, .676 OPS, and a 32% strikeout rate, with struggles against left-handed pitching still evident. As the Pirates enter the Paul Skenes era, they’re aiming to win now, and can’t afford inconsistencies in center field.
Spring training mishaps don’t define a season, but they do reinforce existing narratives. For Cruz, the narrative remains: immense raw talent, but uneven execution.
If Cruz is to elevate his game, it won’t be due to added muscle or a new hairstyle. It will be because he’s made the routine plays truly routine.
Pirates fans witnessed both his potential at the plate and his struggles in the field on Wednesday. In 2026, which version of Cruz shows up consistently could be the key to whether Pittsburgh contends or is left pondering what might have been.