Pirates' Oneil Cruz receives bold 30-30 prediction amid hot start to 2026

Bowden believes Cruz will join the 30/30 club this season as part of his breakout campaign.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:52pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the dynamic batting and baserunning motions of Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz, rendered in a cubist style with sharp, overlapping geometric planes and vibrant team colors.A cubist interpretation of Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz's dynamic 30-30 season, deconstructing his powerful swing and fleet-footed baserunning into a geometric masterpiece.Today in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz is off to a hot start in the 2026 season, and The Athletic's Jim Bowden has predicted that Cruz will finish the year with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, joining the prestigious 30/30 club. Cruz has already shown his power and speed, with 5 home runs and 6 stolen bases in the first 15 games of the season.

Why it matters

Reaching the 30/30 milestone would cement Cruz's breakout season and establish him as one of the rising young stars in Major League Baseball. The Pirates are hoping Cruz's production can help them contend for a playoff spot this year.

The details

After a disappointing Opening Day, Cruz has turned things around and is batting .339 with a 1.044 OPS through 15 games. He has already hit 5 home runs and stolen 6 bases, putting him well on pace to achieve Bowden's bold 30/30 prediction. Last season, Cruz hit 20 home runs and stole 38 bases, so the 30/30 mark is certainly within reach if he can maintain his current torrid pace.

  • Through 15 games played in the 2026 MLB season.
  • In the 2025 season, Cruz had 20 home runs and 38 stolen bases.

The players

Oneil Cruz

A rising young star outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates who is off to a hot start in the 2026 season, on pace to potentially join the prestigious 30/30 club.

Jim Bowden

A baseball analyst for The Athletic who has predicted that Oneil Cruz will finish the 2026 season with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases.

Konnor Griffin

A key player for the Pittsburgh Pirates who has also contributed to the team's strong start in 2026.

Brandon Lowe

An offseason acquisition by the Pittsburgh Pirates who has helped the team become a playoff contender in 2026.

Ryan O'Hearn

Another offseason addition by the Pittsburgh Pirates who has been important to the team's success in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Oneil Cruz and C.J. Abrams will join the 30/30 club this year. Verdict: BELIEVE.”

— Jim Bowden, Baseball Analyst

What’s next

If Cruz continues his hot start, he will be on pace to achieve the rare 30/30 season that Bowden has predicted. The Pirates will be closely monitoring his progress as they look to make a push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

Oneil Cruz's breakout 2026 season could see him join the prestigious 30/30 club, cementing his status as one of the rising young stars in MLB. The Pirates are hoping his production can help them contend for a playoff spot this year.