Struggling Pirates CF Oneil Cruz fortunate rookie Konnor Griffin absorbing outside attention

The Pittsburgh outfielder's power surge is also helping to deflect defensive lapses.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:09pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down a baseball player's defensive actions into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange.A cubist interpretation of a Pirates player's defensive struggles, with the player's movements and the ball's trajectory fragmented into geometric shapes.Today in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz has been struggling defensively, registering a minus-11 in total fielding runs above average in five appearances this season. However, Cruz's recent power surge, including three home runs and six RBIs in the final two games against the Cincinnati Reds, has helped to shift the focus away from his defensive lapses. Additionally, the highly anticipated MLB debut of top prospect Konnor Griffin, who signed a nine-year, $140 million deal, is expected to draw much of the outside attention to the Pirates' youth movement, further deflecting scrutiny from Cruz's defensive woes.

Why it matters

Oneil Cruz's defensive struggles in center field have been a concern for the rebuilding Pirates, but his recent offensive production and the debut of top prospect Konnor Griffin are helping to shift the focus away from Cruz's defensive lapses, allowing him to potentially work on improving his fielding without as much external pressure.

The details

Beginning with consecutive first-inning lapses on Opening Day, directly leading to four runs, Cruz's defensive struggles have continued, with the center fielder registering a minus-11 in total fielding runs above average in five appearances this season. However, Cruz's power surge in the final two games against the Cincinnati Reds, where he hit three home runs and drove in six runs, has helped to deflect attention from his defensive issues. Additionally, the highly anticipated MLB debut of top prospect Konnor Griffin, who signed a nine-year, $140 million deal, is expected to draw much of the outside attention to the Pirates' youth movement, further shielding Cruz from scrutiny.

  • On Opening Day, Cruz had consecutive first-inning defensive lapses that directly led to four runs.
  • In five appearances this season, Cruz has registered a minus-11 in total fielding runs above average.
  • In the final two games against the Cincinnati Reds, Cruz hit three home runs and drove in six runs.
  • On Thursday, Konnor Griffin signed a nine-year, $140 million deal with the Pirates and is scheduled to make his MLB debut on Friday.

The players

Oneil Cruz

The Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder who has been struggling defensively but has recently had a power surge at the plate.

Konnor Griffin

The Pittsburgh Pirates' top prospect who signed a nine-year, $140 million deal and is scheduled to make his MLB debut on Friday.

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What they’re saying

“Cruz welcomes the extra attention.”

— Oneil Cruz

What’s next

The Pirates are scheduled to face the Baltimore Orioles in their home opener at PNC Park on Friday, where Konnor Griffin is expected to make his MLB debut.

The takeaway

Oneil Cruz's defensive struggles in center field have been a concern for the Pirates, but his recent offensive production and the highly anticipated debut of top prospect Konnor Griffin are helping to shift the focus away from Cruz's defensive lapses, allowing him to potentially work on improving his fielding without as much external pressure.