Pirates Make Oneil Cruz Decision Before Mets Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Hudson | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 2:37 PM ET

As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to face the New York Mets, there was initial uncertainty surrounding whether center fielder Oneil Cruz would be in the starting lineup. The Pirates, coming off a disappointing season in which they finished last in the NL Central, continue searching for consistency. The team confirmed via its official X account on Sunday that Cruz will return to the lineup for the series finale in Queens.

Cruz missed Saturday’s game against the Mets, not due to injury, but because the Pirates chose to sit him against left-handed pitcher David Peterson.

That decision came after a rough Opening Day, when Cruz went 0-for-1 with a strikeout and committed two costly mistakes that contributed to Paul Skenes being pulled before the end of the first inning.

With right-hander pitcher Nolan McLean starting for New York, it makes sense to reinsert the left-handed-hitting Cruz, as hitters typically perform better in favorable platoon matchups. He will lead off and play center field for the Pittsburgh.

3/162.

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Coming off a poor performance against the Mets in the previous game, there is some concern about whether Cruz can rebound with a strong showing.

Last season with the Pirates, Cruz posted a .200 batting average, .298 on-base percentage, and .676 OPS, along with 20 home runs, 61 RBIs, and 38 stolen bases. While he struggled with consistency at the plate, he made up for it with his power and speed, emerging as a dynamic offensive threat.

Cruz possesses elite power, frequently hitting balls with exit velocities over 120 mph and distances beyond 450 feet. He also features one of the strongest arms in baseball, with throws exceeding 98 mph, and rare athleticism for his 6-foot-7 frame, including sprint speeds over 30 feet per second.

After transitioning from shortstop to center field in 2025, he showcased his versatility while continuing to be a major threat on the basepaths.

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz (15) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. © Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Cruz made his debut in 2016 with the DSL Dodgers 1 (a Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate), where he hit .294 and quickly demonstrated his potential as a developing hitter. Initially listed at 6-foot-1, he underwent significant physical growth, eventually reaching 6-foot-7, which enhanced his power and defensive versatility. His combination of size and skill made him a unique prospect.

Cruz was traded to the Pirates in exchange for reliever Tony Watson, a move that proved to be one of the biggest steals in franchise history.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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