Oneil Cruz, Pirates Avoid Arbitration
The Pittsburgh Pirates and outfielder Oneil Cruz have avoided arbitration and settled on a one-year, $3.3 million contract. After a promising 2024 season in which Cruz held a .259/.324/.449 line with 21 home runs and 22 stolen bases, the 27-year-old took a significant step back in 2025. Last summer, Cruz saw his batting average drop to .200, and he hit just 20 home runs. However, he did flash even higher speed potential, swiping a career-best 38 bags. While he continued to hit the ball hard, as evident in his 17.9% barrel rate and 56.6% hard-hit rate, he was unable to make consistent contact. Cruz placed in the second percentile in K% (32.0%) and the third percentile in whiff rate (34.0%). While managers in standard leagues may target him for his speed production, they should construct their roster accordingly, as he is projected to remain a low batting average contributor in 2026.
Source: Robert Murray
Source: Robert Murray
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