Where Should Oneil Cruz Play for the Pirates?

Fans weigh in on the best position for the young slugger.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:07am

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have a decision to make on where to play young star Oneil Cruz. While Cruz has struggled defensively, he's shown promise at the plate this season. In a new fan survey, Pirates supporters are asked to vote on the best position for Cruz - whether he should remain at shortstop, move to the outfield, or try his hand at another infield spot.

Why it matters

Oneil Cruz is one of the Pirates' top young talents, but his defensive issues have been a point of concern. Finding the right position for him is crucial to unlocking his full potential and helping the team win games. The fan vote will provide valuable insight as the team weighs its options.

The details

Last week's survey asked Pirates fans if the team should keep Cruz on the roster, and while the majority wanted him traded, the team has decided to hold onto the young slugger for now. This week, fans are being asked to weigh in on where Cruz should play, with options including shortstop, the outfield, and other infield positions.

  • The survey was launched on April 8, 2026.

The players

Oneil Cruz

A highly touted young player for the Pittsburgh Pirates who has shown promise at the plate but struggled defensively.

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What’s next

The results of the fan survey will help guide the Pirates' decision on where to play Oneil Cruz moving forward.

The takeaway

Finding the right defensive position for Oneil Cruz is crucial for the Pirates as they look to unlock his offensive potential and build a winning team around their young core.