Demilio: Oneil Cruz’s Value Becomes Even More Apparent in 2023 Absence (+)

PITTSBURGH — There are not many things on a baseball field that Oneil Cruz can’t do for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 24-year-old has a rocket for an arm from the shortstop position and can hit a ball harder and further than just about any player in the league. Oh year, he also has elite sprint speed to top it all off.

Whenever he’s on the field, the Pirates are in a much better position. He’s a potential game-changer every time he’s at the plate and on the basepaths.

Even as clear as it is to see his importance when he’s in a uniform, it’s even clearer to see his value while he’s been sidelined for essentially all of the 2023 season.