BREAKING: Pirates Will Transition Oneil Cruz to Center Field

PITTSBURGH —  In a surprising development, the Pittsburgh Pirates will be transitioning Oneil Cruz to from shortstop to center field amidst his defensive deficiencies.

“We feel that (center field) is probably the best position for him and for the Pirates,” manager Derek Shelton said on the team’s decision. “We wanted to make sure that we had a runway of games going into next year, for that to be important. Excited to see him out there. This kid is a dynamic athlete. With the way that we’re set up now, I feel that’s the best thing for us.”

In his first full season in the major leagues, Cruz has committed 24 errors at shortstop, which is second-most in the league regardless of position behind only Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (26 errors). 12 of those errors have come over Cruz’s last 28 games played. Additionally, Cruz has minus-eight defensive runs saved.

Coming off of a fractured left ankle suffered last April, the Pirates wanted to get a prolonged look to see how Cruz would handle shortstop over the course of the majority of a season before making any determinations.

According to general manager Ben Cherington, the decision to shift Cruz to center field came together rather quickly.

“Obviously, over the course of the season, we’ve been focused on shortstop and trying to help him there,” Cherington said.  “It’s not like we weren’t paying attention to the defense, because we were trying to find ways to get that better. But in terms of any kind of change, it’s been very recently.”

Though Cruz has played almost exclusively as a shortstop throughout his professional career, he does have some brief experience in the outfield, though not as a center fielder.

Cruz played in 10 games in left field with Triple-A Indianapolis in 2022 and posted a .909 fielding percentage by recording 20 putouts in 22 opportunities. He also played one inning in left field with the Pirates that season.

“We needed every piece of information to get to that point (of making a change) and it was just recently that we did,” Cherington reiterated. “Now we’ll start that work and get him acclimated to centerfield. He’s been in the outfield before in his life, but certainly need some time out there to get comfortable.”

Based off of the information provided by both Shelton and Cherington, it does not appear that this is an experiment for the final portion of the season. It doesn’t sound like a return to shortstop will happen, at least for the foreseeable future.

“I think as of right now, we’re looking at him as a center fielder,” Shelton said when asked if the move closes the door on Cruz’s time as a shortstop.

Cherington later said that Cruz was understandably disappointed when the Pirates informed him of the decision following Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds But he feels that the 25-year-old will embrace the move, citing Cruz’s desire to win and skillset as part of that belief.

“It will take work, focus, time,” said Cherington. “There’s no substitute for the hard work that he’ll have to put in. But we believe he’ll do that and he’s got a chance to be really good out there.”

The news comes as Nick Gonzales returns from the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain. While Gonzales could see time at other positions, such as third base, Shelton said the plan is for Gonzales to handle primary second base responsibilities with Isiah Kiner-Falefa replacing Cruz at shortstop.

While Cruz has struggled in the field, he’s had a strong season at the plate. In 117 games, he’s slashed .265/.324/.468 with 29 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, 63 RBIs and has gone 17-for-18 in stolen base attempts.

As he looks to finish the year strong at the plate, he’ll have to do so with the potentially daunting task of having to learn a brand new position on the fly.

Cruz is serving as the Pirates’ designated hitter for Monday’s game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. There is no indication as of yet on when Cruz will make his center field debut.