Pirates' Oneil Cruz Thriving Against Left-Handed Pitchers

The young slugger has made significant improvements in his performance against southpaws this season.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's batting stance and swing, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic motion and multiple perspectives of the game.Oneil Cruz's revamped approach against left-handed pitchers has been a key factor in the Pirates' early-season success.Today in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz has bounced back from struggles against left-handed pitchers last season, already matching his 2025 hit total against lefties just 21 games into the 2026 campaign. Cruz has made adjustments to his approach and swing mechanics that have paid dividends, with an OPS of 1.295 and a .500 wOBA against southpaws so far this year.

Why it matters

Cruz's improved production against left-handed pitching is a key factor in the Pirates' early-season success, as the team looks to contend in the NL Central. His ability to handle lefties gives the Pirates' lineup more balance and makes them a tougher out for opposing pitchers.

The details

After going just 11-for-108 with three doubles and one home run against left-handers in 2025, Cruz has already matched that 11-hit total in 25 at-bats this season, adding two doubles and three home runs. He has worked to pull the ball more and shorten his swing to enhance his bat speed, while also spending the offseason training with a left-handed pitcher to refine his approach. The results have been dramatic, with Cruz's whiff rate against lefties dropping from 42.4% last year to 26.7% so far in 2026.

  • Through 21 games in the 2026 season
  • In the 2025 season, Cruz was 11-for-108 with three doubles and one home run against left-handed pitchers

The players

Oneil Cruz

A 27-year-old outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates who has made significant improvements in his performance against left-handed pitchers this season.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The MLB team that Oneil Cruz plays for, who are looking to contend in the NL Central division this year.

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What they’re saying

“Oneil Cruz last year against LHP: 11 for 108, three doubles, one home run. Oneil Cruz this year against LHP: 11 for 25, two doubles, three home runs. He's matched last season's hit total against southpaws. 21 games into the season.”

— Vanessa Serrao, Freelance baseball writer

What’s next

As the Pirates continue their push for the playoffs, Cruz's ability to handle left-handed pitching will be a key factor in their success. If he can sustain his improved production against southpaws, it will make the Pirates' lineup even more dangerous.

The takeaway

Oneil Cruz's resurgence against left-handed pitchers is a testament to his hard work and adaptability. His adjustments at the plate have paid off handsomely, and his improved performance is a major boost for a Pirates team looking to contend in the NL Central.