Pirates' Oneil Cruz Not Worried About Trade Rumors

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates will have a busy week with the MLB trade deadline on July 31, with many of their players in the organization rumored for potential moves.

Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz is one of those players, with reports the franchise had listened to trade offers on him and that the New York Yankees one of the teams interested in him.

Cruz, himself, isn't worried about any trade rumors, as there isn't anything he can control and understands that this is part of the game.

“Yeah, it’s something I have no control over," Cruz said through interpreter Stephen Morales. "Like I said, if it happens, it happens and those are rumors and news out there I have no control over, but if it happens, it’s baseball.”

The Pirates have had numerous players in trade reports, including players on long contracts in right-handed starting pitcher Mitch Keller, outfielder Bryan Reynolds and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes.

Pittsburgh sits 44-62 overall and will likely serve as big sellers at the trade deadline, as they try and build for 2026 and the future.

Cruz also isn't concerned with the trade deadline, overall, as there isn't much he can do, other than bring in the new players and make them feel at home.

“Those are subjects that I have no control over," Cruz said. "That’s the front office that makes that and whoever comes to help us win, it’s welcome. We’ll do our best to welcome him in a good way.”