| Oneil Cruz: 3 Things You Need to Know |
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| – Powerhouse Hitter: Oneil Cruz’s recent 442-foot homer and RBI triple showcase his elite power, ranking him among MLB’s hardest hitters. |
| – Speed and Versatility: With 16 stolen bases in 2025, Cruz combines speed with his center field role, making him a dynamic threat. |
| – Fan Favorite: From gifting bats to young fans to clutch performances, Cruz’s charisma is winning hearts in Pittsburgh. |
Oneil Cruz continues to electrify Pittsburgh Pirates fans with his jaw-dropping performances in the 2025 season. Just yesterday, May 24, 2025, Cruz powered the Pirates to a 2-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers with a go-ahead RBI triple in the seventh inning. This clutch hit, paired with his two home runs the previous day, underscores why he’s one of baseball’s most exciting young talents. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, like tying a game with a 427-foot homer in the ninth, has fans buzzing about his potential to join the elite 40/40 club.
Oneil Cruz’s Historic Power Surge
Cruz’s raw power is unmatched. On May 23, he crushed a 442-foot solo homer against the Brewers, a missile that gave Pittsburgh an early lead. This wasn’t just any homer—it was clocked at 114.5 mph off the bat, one of the hardest-hit balls in the Statcast era. His ability to launch baseballs into orbit isn’t new; he’s already notched five of the 25 hardest-hit balls (120 mph or more) since Statcast began tracking in 2015. Earlier this season, on April 24, he demolished a 463-foot homer against the Angels, leaving even the opposing crowd in awe. These moonshots highlight why Cruz is a cornerstone for the Pirates’ future.
His offensive stats tell a compelling story. As of May 25, 2025, Cruz leads the Pirates with nine home runs and 16 stolen bases. He’s batting around .234 with an .838 OPS, showing improvement from his 2024 career highs of 21 homers and a .773 OPS. Despite a Pirates offense that ranks near the bottom in runs and batting average, Cruz’s contributions stand out. His 16.8% walk rate, nearly double last year’s, shows a maturing plate approach.
- Key Stats (as of May 25, 2025):
- Home Runs: 9 (team leader)
- Stolen Bases: 16 (MLB leader)
- OPS: .838
- Walk Rate: 16.8% (7th in MLB)
Oneil Cruz: More Than Just Power
Beyond the homers, Oneil Cruz brings a rare blend of speed and defensive flair. Playing center field, he’s shown he’s more than a bat. On May 5, he threw out a runner at home with a 100 mph laser from the outfield, a throw dubbed the best of the season by Baseball Savant. His speed also shines on the bases. Despite being caught stealing for the first time this season on May 5, his 16 steals put him on pace for a historic 40/40 season—40 homers and 40 stolen bases. Only six players have ever achieved this feat, and Cruz’s early 2025 pace (projected 44 HRs, 69 SBs) has fans dreaming big.
However, injuries have been a concern. Cruz missed time earlier this month due to lower back tightness after a steal attempt on May 10 against the Braves. He returned to the lineup on May 17, showing resilience, but the Pirates are cautious with their star. His ability to stay healthy will be key to sustaining his torrid pace.
A Star with Heart
Cruz’s impact extends beyond the stat sheet. On May 24, he gifted his bat to a young fan named John Block after his RBI triple secured a Pirates win. The moment, captured on broadcast, showed Block’s father tearing up, moved by his son’s joy. Cruz’s charisma and connection with fans make him a Pittsburgh favorite. Earlier, on April 16, he gave his game cap to another young fan after hitting his first career grand slam against the Nationals, a 385-foot shot that sealed a 6-1 victory.
His teammates feed off his energy. Pirates veteran Andrew McCutchen called Cruz’s grand slam a “dagger” moment that sparked the team. Cruz himself thrives in clutch situations, saying he relishes the big moments. This blend of talent and personality makes him a player to watch.
The Road Ahead for Cruz
At 26, Cruz is hitting his stride. His recent performances, like the two-homer game on May 23 and the game-changing triple on May 24, show he’s becoming a consistent force. However, challenges remain. His WAR (1.0 fWAR, 0.5 bWAR) suggests defensive and consistency improvements are needed to reach superstar status. The Pirates’ struggling offense puts extra pressure on him, but his ability to deliver in key moments bodes well.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Cruz can maintain his 40/40 pace. If he does, he could join legends like Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez in baseball’s exclusive club. For now, he’s giving Pirates fans plenty to cheer about.
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