Oneil Cruz

[Bobster]

Despite his issues, I think Cruz has a lot of trade value. The physical tools are freakish and there are always other teams that think they can obtain a player and straighten him out. And maybe they can with Cruz.

I think a competent GM could get a lot for Cruz. But that would require paying the salaries of good players acquired in the deal. The Pirates won’t do that. They probably turned down a lot better trade offers than the ones they accept because of the cost of the players they could acquire. Cherington has a history of trading good players for a bundle of inexpensive ones. That’s why I say he would trade Cruz for something like a relief pitcher, utility player and a prospect.

How many more years of control do the bucs have? Does last year count?

He's FA in 2029.

[Wildwoodcoach]

Despite his issues, I think Cruz has a lot of trade value. The physical tools are freakish and there are always other teams that think they can obtain a player and straighten him out. And maybe they can with Cruz.

I think a competent GM could get a lot for Cruz. But that would require paying the salaries of good players acquired in the deal. The Pirates won’t do that. They probably turned down a lot better trade offers than the ones they accept because of the cost of the players they could acquire. Cherington has a history of trading good players for a bundle of inexpensive ones. That’s why I say he would trade Cruz for something like a relief pitcher, utility player and a prospect.

How many more years of control do the bucs have? Does last year count?

He's FA in 2029.

Thank you Bobster

[fjk090852-7]

It is only the first game of 2025, but with the lapses which Cruz has had during his young career do you think the Pirates should entertain a trade for him. Possibly he could fetch a return of an outfielder, shortstop and a pitcher. Maybe a team like Boston would be a good match.

[Ecbucs]

It is only the first game of 2025, but with the lapses which Cruz has had during his young career do you think the Pirates should entertain a trade for him. Possibly he could fetch a return of an outfielder, shortstop and a pitcher. Maybe a team like Boston would be a good match.

personally I think we are too hard on Cruz. He certainly has a lot of lapses as did Polanco. However, he has played outfield less than a season. Cutch was missing cutoff men after he had won a gold glove. Give Cruz a chance to see if he can improve in the outfield. If his bat continues to improve he will be one of the plusses on this team (which is full of minus value players).

Maybe trying to get Cruz and other young players to get on the right track is the real reason for signing Pham and Frazier (in addition to being cheap). I don't know what kind of coaching the Bucs give to players in the majors, but if they are any good they are explaining to Cruz what he needs to do to be a good player (if they aren't then they shouldn't be coaching).

[Doc]

It is only the first game of 2025, but with the lapses which Cruz has had during his young career do you think the Pirates should entertain a trade for him. Possibly he could fetch a return of an outfielder, shortstop and a pitcher. Maybe a team like Boston would be a good match.

personally I think we are too hard on Cruz. He certainly has a lot of lapses as did Polanco. However, he has played outfield less than a season. Cutch was missing cutoff men after he had won a gold glove. Give Cruz a chance to see if he can improve in the outfield. If his bat continues to improve he will be one of the plusses on this team (which is full of minus value players).

Maybe trying to get Cruz and other young players to get on the right track is the real reason for signing Pham and Frazier (in addition to being cheap). I don't know what kind of coaching the Bucs give to players in the majors, but if they are any good they are explaining to Cruz what he needs to do to be a good player (if they aren't then they shouldn't be coaching).

.

I don't think he's coachable. He gives me the impression that he's all full of himself and doesn't need to be coached. Top that off with his laziness and you've got a player with incredible talent who'll never come close to reaching his full potential.

[Bobster]

I don't think he's coachable. He gives me the impression that he's all full of himself and doesn't need to be coached. Top that off with his laziness and you've got a player with incredible talent who'll never come close to reaching his full potential.

Not with the Pirates anyway. I think when he's eventually with a competitive team he'll be more focused on doing what he can to help win games. With the Pirates his focus is more likely to be on himself since he'll never experience a meaningful season.

[Doc]

I don't think he's coachable. He gives me the impression that he's all full of himself and doesn't need to be coached. Top that off with his laziness and you've got a player with incredible talent who'll never come close to reaching his full potential.

Not with the Pirates anyway. I think when he's eventually with a competitive team he'll be more focused on doing what he can to help win games. With the Pirates his focus is more likely to be on himself since he'll never experience a meaningful season.

Sounds just like a guy no one would want for a teammate.

[JollyRoger8]

No possible way do I give up on Cruz.
In fact I will go out on a limb and predict that he will be a 30/50 player this year if he stays healthy.
His main problem is handling the lows with the highs in a long baseball season. You can see this in his demeanor. When doing well he is all smiles. When he is pressing at the plate or makes an error he looks depressed. I agree that he has been lackadaisical on occasions and that needs to change. I am optimistic that will change with maturity.