The Pittsburgh Pirates are entering spring training with a critical focus on their outfield setup, especially addressing the uncertainty in left field. Oneil Cruz in center field and Bryan Reynolds in right field are viewed as fixtures in the lineup, but both had seasons last year filled with questions about consistency and performance. The ongoing Oneil Cruz outfield battle centers mainly on who will take on left field duties to complete the trio in the spacious Pirates ballpark.
General Manager Ben Cherington has stated the Pirates have several options to fill the position, making the competition for left field one of the most compelling storylines of this spring camp.
New Additions and Returning Players Fueling Competition
The Pirates have brought in new talent to add depth, including Jake Mangum and Jhostynxon Garcia, nicknamed “The Password” due to his high prospect status. Both players are expected to compete vigorously for playing time in the outfield. Mangum arrived via trade from Tampa Bay, while Garcia was acquired from Boston, where he was regarded as a top-100 prospect.
Alongside these newcomers, the Pirates are counting on the resurgence of Jack Suwinski and Billy Cook, who spent much of last year in the minor leagues. Additionally, the powerful Esmerlyn Valdez secured a spot on the 40-man roster following an impressive offensive season with 26 home runs and 86 RBIs split between High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona.
Ben Cherington emphasized the team’s strong options for left field:
“We think we have a number of good options for left field… The Password is obviously a young, less proven player with a ton of upside. We want to get to know him better. He’ll have opportunity in spring training to show people if he’s ready for that. We expect at some point he can make an impact on our team and maybe that’s Opening Day or early in the season. We’ll see.”
Regarding Mangum and other potential candidates, Cherington added,
“Mangum just strengthens the group a little bit further. He can play left, play center, do some different things. Still believe in Jack Suwinski, what he’s capable of doing. We’ve got other guys on the roster who are capable of playing productive baseball, I believe in left field. But we’ll stay open-minded. Again, if we can, our desire would be to add one more position player who’s got a little bit more of a proven track record at the major-league level. I think we’ve got some flexibility as to where that player might fit in.”
Performance Questions Surrounding Reynolds and Cruz
The Pirates’ success this year strongly hinges on improved production from Reynolds and Cruz. Reynolds, a two-time All-Star, had a difficult first half in 2025, hitting .225, but managed to rebound somewhat by season’s end despite lingering slumps. His overall .245/.318/.402 slash line marked a noticeable decline from previous years, although he still led Pittsburgh with 73 RBIs and posted a career-high 38 doubles.
“What I saw with Bryan in 2025 is a reminder of how hard the game is,”
Cherington reflected.
“This has been one of the most reliable, consistent hitters in the major leagues for several years. He’s very accountable. He cares. He holds himself to a very high standard. He went through a stretch where he faced some challenges. There was a little bad luck probably mixed in there. Then he picked it up and got back closer to Bryan Reynolds.”
As for Cruz, he started the 2025 season with an impressive hot streak that included eight home runs, 16 RBIs, a .902 OPS, and 12 stolen bases in the first 28 games, plus a standout performance in the Home Run Derby. However, he cooled off dramatically later, hitting below the Mendoza Line during June, August, and September, leading his OPS to slide 97 points from the prior season. Still, Cruz matched his previous year with 20 homers and tied for the National League lead with 38 steals.
A converted shortstop adapting to center field, Cruz spent the offseason focusing on reading batted balls, improving his quickness and reactions, and refining his throwing accuracy. This adjustment period is crucial as he settles into a full season in a demanding position.
Cruz commented at PiratesFest,
“Definitely helps to get those games under my belt. I think it’s going to put me in a really good spot now because I have a better idea how to react to balls, directions, angles and all that. I think I’m going to be in a way better spot for spring training.”
—Oneil Cruz, via interpreter Stephen Morales
Other Contenders Fighting for Playing Time
Jack Suwinski, known for his raw power and having led the Pirates with 26 home runs in 2023, is also competing for outfield time despite recent offensive struggles. At 27 years old and out of minor league options, this spring could represent his final opportunity to solidify a role as the team’s power hitter.
Jhostynxon Garcia, 23, demonstrated his potential last season between Boston’s Double-A and Triple-A levels with 21 home runs and 75 RBIs in 489 plate appearances before making his major league debut in late August. Although his initial stint with the Red Sox was limited, the crowded Boston outfield roster restricted his opportunities there.
Cherington noted Garcia’s versatility and potential value:
“No question, they’ve got a pretty loaded outfield there, and so he may have been blocked a bit right now. But this is a player we’ve been on for a while. The answer is really in the total combination of skills. We think he’s a player that can do a lot of different things to help a team win. It’s not a one-skilled player. We think he can be valuable on the bases. We think he can be valuable defensively, whether that’s in center or left. He’s obviously got power. We’ve seen him use his power to all parts of the field. He’s an aggressive player. He needs to continue to hone in on selectivity and just kind of shrink the strike zone just a little bit. But he’s a young player, and we’ve seen young players do that. So yeah, a guy that we think can contribute to the game in different ways, and he’s young, and a lot of days ahead of him, and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
—Ben Cherington, Pirates General Manager
Mangum’s Versatility Adds Strategic Depth
Jake Mangum, who debuted last year at age 29, posted a solid season batting .296/.330/.368 with 18 doubles and 40 RBIs over 118 games. While he lacked home run power, Mangum’s speed was notable, registering 32 infield hits—tied for the MLB lead—and swiping 27 bases. Defensively, he was reliable, not committing any errors and earning six Outs Above Average in the outfield.
Mangum described his readiness to contribute anywhere in the outfield, refusing to predict where he might fit best.
“I know I can play all three outfield spots at a high level. As far as what position, I don’t really know. They just said, ‘Be ready to play.’ Look, I’m an outfielder who can play all three spots. I’m a switch hitter. I don’t know what role my role will quite be. I know Ben mentioned something about left and center. But as far as I know, I’m told Ben I’m going to play all three outfield spots if you need me. Wherever you need me, I’ll be ready to play.”
—Jake Mangum
The Stakes and Outlook for the Pirates’ Outfield Competition
Spring training 2026 represents a crucial period for the Pirates as they attempt to address the left field vacancy and improve the overall production of their starting outfield. The presence of proven veterans like Bryan Reynolds and dynamic young talents such as Oneil Cruz, Jhostynxon Garcia, and Jake Mangum creates a tense and highly competitive atmosphere.
For the Pirates, unlocking Cruz’s full potential as a center fielder and establishing a reliable left fielder could significantly impact their offensive and defensive balance, helping to transform their outfield into a more effective unit. The outcome of this spring’s positional contest will likely shape the daily lineup and influence the team’s performance from Opening Day onward.
