Oneil Cruz Is Attacking His Weaknesses Early-and That’s Exactly What the Pirates Need
Spring training is barely underway, but Oneil Cruz is already making it clear: he’s not here to waste time. After a frustrating 2025 campaign that saw his star dim a bit, Cruz is zeroing in on the part of his game that held him back the most-his struggles against left-handed pitching.
In a video shared from Pirates camp, Cruz stepped into the box against Mason Montgomery, a lefty reliever the team brought in during the offseason. But this wasn’t just a random matchup. According to manager Don Kelly, Cruz asked for it.
“He’s challenging himself; he wants to get better,” Kelly said. “He’s working his tail off every day: outfield, hitting, everything to be better.”
That’s the kind of mindset you want to see from a player whose talent is undeniable but whose inconsistencies have kept him from taking the leap. Cruz didn’t just have a down year in 2025-he hit a wall. While the raw power was still there when he connected, the overall results were tough to watch: a .200/.298/.378 slash line and a strikeout rate north of 32 percent.
The left-on-left matchups were particularly brutal. Cruz went just 11-for-108 against southpaws, striking out 44 times and posting a .400 OPS.
That kind of production doesn’t just hurt a lineup-it forces a manager’s hand. Down the stretch last season, Cruz often found himself on the bench when the Pirates faced a left-handed starter.
And if those numbers don’t improve, that trend could continue into 2026.
The Pirates have made moves this offseason that only increase the pressure on Cruz to round out his game. They’ve added right-handed bat Jhostynxon Garcia and switch-hitter Jake Mangum to the mix, both of whom bring versatility and solid contact skills. Then there’s Marcell Ozuna, whose bat is expected to anchor the DH spot, especially against lefties.
In other words, the margin for error is smaller this year. Cruz isn’t guaranteed everyday at-bats if he doesn’t produce, particularly against left-handed pitching.
And that’s what makes his early spring training focus so encouraging. He’s not waiting for the season to expose his weaknesses-he’s attacking them head-on.
There’s also the defensive side of the equation. Cruz posted minus-14 defensive runs saved in his first season as a center fielder-a number that speaks volumes about the growing pains he experienced in the outfield.
But the Pirates still believe in his athleticism and upside. Speaking to MLB Network last week, Don Kelly called him an athletic “freak” who could thrive if he locks in mentally.
And that’s really the key. The tools have never been in question.
Cruz is a 6’7” unicorn with elite speed, power, and arm strength. But baseball’s a game of adjustments, and right now, he’s in the middle of one.
If he can close the gap against lefties and tighten things up defensively, the Pirates might finally get the breakout season they’ve been hoping for.
For now, the signs are promising. Cruz is putting in the work, embracing the challenge, and setting the tone early. And for a Pirates team looking to take a step forward in 2026, that’s exactly what you want from one of your most talented players.