Pirates Make Stance Clear on Potential Oneil Cruz Trade

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pirates Make Stance Clear on Potential Oneil Cruz Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Jul 24, 2026 3:01 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates have no plans to move Oneil Cruz ahead of the MLB trade deadline, despite recent speculation surrounding the injured outfielder. With trade rumors gaining momentum, the club has made its position clear internally.

According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Colin Beazley, the Pirates have not had any conversations about trading Cruz and are not motivated to move one of their franchise cornerstones. The update pushes back against outside speculation linking the 27-year-old to potential deadline deals.

Cruz has been sidelined since early June with a fractured left hand, but the Pirates continue to view him as a key part of their long-term plans rather than a trade asset.

Pirates trade deadline plans, per @colin_beazley:

• Ideal candidate to acquire is a right-handed RP
• They could pursue another SP or right-handed bat
• Willing to deal from their major-league position player depth
• Haven’t had conversations about trading Oneil Cruz and…
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) July 24, 2026

Before landing on the injured list, Cruz appeared in 64 games and slashed .264/.350/.472 with 14 home runs, 44 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. The center fielder fractured the fourth and fifth metacarpals in his left hand while sliding into home against the Atlanta Braves on June 6.

The Pirates transferred Cruz to the 60-day injured list on July 18 to create a 40-man roster spot. He is currently completing baseball activities at the organization's spring training complex in Florida and is trending toward an early August return without a minor league rehab assignment.

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz (15) Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh enters Friday with a 53-50 record, sitting third in the National League Central and remaining in the Wild Card race. Rather than entertaining offers for Cruz, the front office appears focused on strengthening the roster ahead of the deadline.

Beazley's report reinforces that approach, making it clear the Pirates are committed to keeping Cruz in Pittsburgh as they look toward his return later this season.

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

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