Oneil Cruz began spring training appearing in the best physical condition of his life, aiming to bounce back from a difficult 2025 season. The Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder, entering his sixth Major League Baseball season, debuted a noticeably more muscular physique and a new, shorter hairstyle replacing his previous dreadlocks, signaling his determination to reset his career trajectory.
Early Season Performance and Offseason Efforts
In a recent game against the New York Yankees, Cruz recorded a 1-for-3 performance, including a single and a stolen base during the Pirates’ 6-2 loss on Monday. Reflecting on his prior season during the offseason, Cruz acknowledged his struggles but emphasized his hard work over the winter.
“The season that I had last year, it was not my best season,”
Cruz admitted,
“I went home and went right to work on the stuff that I was having trouble with last year and work on my body again. No time to relax. Just focus on what I need to do to get better.”
Statistical Challenges from 2025 Season
At 27 years old, Cruz is preparing for a pivotal year after an underwhelming 2025 campaign. Historically a .233 hitter with a .734 OPS, Cruz’s numbers regressed sharply last year. Over 135 games, he posted a .200 batting average and a .676 OPS, while striking out 174 times in 544 plate appearances, translating to a concerning 32 percent strikeout rate. His .200 batting average was the lowest among 145 qualifiers, highlighting the extent of his offensive difficulties.
Despite offensive struggles, Cruz’s outstanding speed persisted as he notched 38 stolen bases, tying him with Juan Soto for the National League lead. His offseason transition involved cutting off his trademark dreadlocks, a look that had been with him since his minor league days but was something he intended to change for months. He shared this transformation with former Pirate Andrew McCutchen via a FaceTime call. Cruz recalled,
“He said you look a lot better, and more handsome.”
Hitting Difficulties Against Left-Handed Pitching
The physical transformation may impress, but Cruz’s major hurdle remains his performance against left-handed pitchers. In 2025, he struggled profoundly against southpaws, compiling a .102/.224/.176 slash line and striking out 44 times in 125 plate appearances, a 35.2 percent strikeout rate. Over his career, his batting average against lefties stands at just .172 with a .560 OPS, numbers that put him at risk of being relegated to a platoon role, limiting his playing time and future earnings potential.
Cruz acknowledged these issues openly, revealing his offseason efforts in the Dominican Republic to address them:
“Last year wasn’t a good year against lefties like the prior year,”
he said.
“That’s what I was doing in the Dominican this year, facing a lot of live pitching against lefties just to get better at it. And go back to hitting lefties like I used to.”
Defensive Struggles and Areas for Improvement
In addition to offensive challenges, Cruz needs to improve his defense after a career-worst minus-14 Defensive Runs Saved rating in 2025, a sharp decline from minus-3 in 2024. This decline impacts his overall value on the field and the Pirates’ defense.
He identified his arm and throwing mechanics as notable weaknesses that contributed to his defensive issues.
“Quickness, reactions to the ball, angles and all that. But also, the throws to the bases,”
Cruz explained.
“That was something that I struggled with last year, just because the arm action is different. I knew I had to get better at it. I worked on that a lot. I think I’m in a better spot right now.”
Implications for Pirates and Prospects for the Season Ahead
Cruz’s potential rebound is of critical importance for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are eager to contend in the Paul Skenes era and make a significant impact in the competitive National League Central division. His speed, power, and athletic ability could be key components if he can regain consistency both at the plate and in the field.
The eyes of many baseball observers will be on Cruz throughout spring training and the regular season, watching to see if his physical improvements and dedicated offseason training translate into a productive turnaround. A successful comeback would not only revive Cruz’s career but also boost the Pirates’ chances of climbing the standings in 2026.
Oneil Cruz starting to look like Yordan Alvarez.
It looks like he put on a ton of muscle this offseason.
Am I the only one that has noticed this?
— Kody Duncan (@KodyDuncanPGH) February 23, 2026
