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Scouting Report
Updated May 17, 2026
Oneil Cruz is having an exceptional 2026 season after a disappointing 2025. He became the first player in MLB to reach 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases, demonstrating elite two-way production. Through 39 games, he's slashing .255/.320/.473 with a .793 OPS, 10 home runs, 15 stolen bases (on 17 attempts), 29 RBI, and 31 runs scored. Cruz has implemented a simplified hitting approach after offseason work with hitting coach Matt Hague, resulting in improved plate discipline and power production. He's currently on a four-game hitting streak with elite batted-ball metrics (95th percentile in exit velocity, barrel rate, hard-hit rate, and bat speed). The Pirates moved him to DH to focus on hitting, and he's been a key contributor to Pittsburgh's resurgence in the NL Central.
Strengths
- + First player in MLB to reach 10 HR and 10 SB in 2026
- + Significant improvement from .200 BA in 2025 to .255 in 2026
- + Elite batted-ball metrics (95th percentile in exit velocity, barrel rate, hard-hit rate, bat speed)
- + Strong on-base streak with 4-game hitting streak (8-for-18)
- + Excellent stolen base success rate (15 SB on 17 attempts, 88%)
- + Improved power production on pace to exceed career high of 21 HR
- + Demonstrated work ethic and commitment to change hitting approach
- + Well-rounded production across counting stats (runs, RBI, steals)
- + Strong performance against left-handed pitchers this season
About
Oneil Cruz is a center fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Player Overview
CF
Pittsburgh Pirates
Recent News
Free MLB home run picks, odds for May 19: Oneil Cruz in expert's best bets for Tuesday HR player props
May 19, 2026
Oneil Cruz has been dropped to fifth in the lineup for Tuesday's series opener against the Cardinals.
May 19, 2026
Fantasy baseball takeaways: Messick breakout, waiver targets, pitching trends - CBS Sports
May 17, 2026
Oneil Cruz went 2-for-4 with two RBI and his 16th stolen base of the season during Friday's loss to the Phillies.
May 16, 2026
Luke Raley went 2-for-5 with a three-run homer in the Mariners' 8-3 defeat of the Astros on Thursday.
May 14, 2026