Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz is a player who turns heads with his sheer talent. Standing at six-foot-seven, Cruz combines size with blistering speed and power, making him one of the most intriguing athletes in the game. With a sprint speed of 29.2 feet per second, he's not just fast for his size; he's fast, period.
Cruz has all the makings of a five-tool player, and the potential to be an MVP candidate is certainly there. However, Pirates fans have seen flashes of brilliance before.
Last season, they watched Cruz struggle to a career-low .200/.298/.378 line. So, when MLB.com labeled him a dark horse for the NL MVP, it was met with skepticism mixed with a glimmer of hope.
In 2025, Cruz's game needed refinement. He had challenges with fastballs, needed to be more aggressive early in the count, and had to pull more fly balls. His strikeout rate was a hefty 32%, showing that raw athleticism alone doesn't guarantee success at the plate.
Defensively, Cruz's -14 defensive runs saved was a concern, ranking him among the lowest in center field. But Cruz has been working hard to change that narrative. Training with former Platinum Glove winner Kevin Kiermaier, Cruz aimed to elevate his defensive skills, leaving Kiermaier impressed with his progress.
Spring training offered a glimpse of a new Cruz. He posted a scorching .538/.600/.846 with a homer and three steals in just five games before joining Team Dominican Republic for the World Baseball Classic. His performance there has been even more electrifying.
If Cruz can maintain contact, the home runs will follow. His ability to get on base could wreak havoc on pitchers and catchers alike. With the right reads in the outfield, his speed and athleticism could earn him a Gold Glove.
Consider this: Cruz managed to lead the NL in stolen bases last season despite a sub-.300 on-base percentage. He hit just .200 but still launched 20 homers. If everything clicks, few can match his raw talent.
This preseason surge might be the start of something special-or it might not. It's crucial to temper expectations, given Cruz's history.
Yet, there's a sense that 2026 might just be his breakout year. And for the Pirates, that could mean everything.