Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins catcher Nick Fortes (4) tags Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz (15) at the plate during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Pirates' Oneil Cruz, Isiah Kiner-Falefa Combine For Historic Start to Season

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Sam Connon | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 8:55 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been far and away the most dangerous team on the basepaths this season, with two main players leading the way.

Entering Tuesday's contest against the Tampa Bay Rays, center fielder Oneil Cruz led all of MLB with five stolen bases. He also led the Pirates with five walks. Shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa ranks second on the team in both categories with four of each.

According to OptaSTATS, Cruz and Kiner-Falefa are the first pair of teammates in MLB's modern era to combine for at least nine stolen bases and 10 walks in their team's first five games of a season.

Oneil Cruz (5 SB, 6 BB) and Isiah Kiner-Falefa (4 SB, 4 BB) of the @Pirates have combined for 9 SB and 10 BB through the Pirates' first 5 games this season.
No other pair of teammates in the modern era have combined to reach those marks in their team's first 5 games of a season.
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) April 1, 2025

Cruz is batting just .200 on the season, but with an .829 OPS. Kiner-Fafela, meanwhile is batting .333 with an .807 OPS.

Despite the production that has come from Cruz and Kiner-Falefa's patience, discipline and speed, the Pirates opened the season 1-4. They currently trail the Rays 6-0 in the sixth inning, well on their way towards a 1-5 start.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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