Pirates' Oneil Cruz sets batting record that only Carl Yastrzemski did with Red Sox
Cruz looks like a brand new player.
Pirates' Oneil Cruz sets batting record that only Carl Yastrzemski did with Red Sox originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Oneil Cruz is off to a blistering start at the plate for the Pittsburgh Pirates .
The outfielder is faring much better against left-handed pitching, but his defense is still a work in progress. The Pirates are hoping that 2026 is the season that he finally breaks out of his offensive shell. Through 19 games, Cruz is hitting .
316/. 381/. 566 with five home runs, 17 RBIs, and nine stolen bases.
His . 947 OPS ranks second on the Pirates behind second baseman Brandon Lowe. Oneil Cruz leads the Pirates in times on base, runs, RBI & SB through the team’s first 19 games for the second straight season.