Pittsburgh Pirates ยท Outfielder
The Pirates' center fielder brings intriguing speed-and-power upside to fantasy rosters heading into 2026, combining the potential for 15+ home runs with stolen base contributions that can help in deeper leagues. Cruz has demonstrated the ability to get on base consistently and leg out runs, though his batting average has hovered in the .260s range, which could be a drag on overall performance in standard 5x5 formats. His stolen base total suggests he's aggressive on the basepaths, making him particularly valuable in formats that reward speed, but the strikeout concerns and modest run production limit his overall ceiling for mainstream fantasy use. For managers building depth or playing in AL/NL-only leagues, Cruz offers a tantalizing mix of speed and power that could exceed expectations if he can improve his contact rates and maintain consistent playing time.
Oneil Cruz drives in two with extra-inning homer
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz went 1-for-3 with two walks and a crucial two-run home run in Friday's 5-4 extra-inning loss to the Dodgers. Despite his strong individual performance including the long ball, the Pirates fell short, and Cruz remains a key fantasy asset despite the team loss.
Aug 22, 2026
Oneil Cruz No Timeline to Return
Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington announced there is currently no timeline for outfielder Oneil Cruz (hand) to return from the injured list. The hand injury remains a concern for the Pirates' offensive production. This lack of clarity suggests the injury may be more serious than initially expected, leaving Cruz's fantasy value in limbo.
Aug 6, 2026
| Year | Team | G | PA | AB | AVG | HR | RBI | R | SB | K | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Pittsburgh Pirates | 2 | 9 | 9 | .333 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 4 | .333 | .667 | 1.000 |
| 2022 | Pittsburgh Pirates | 87 | 361 | 331 | .233 | 17 | 54 | 45 | 10 | 126 | .294 | .450 | .744 |
| 2023 | Pittsburgh Pirates | 9 | 40 | 32 | .250 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 8 | .375 | .375 | .750 |
| 2024 | Pittsburgh Pirates | 146 | 599 | 541 | .259 | 21 | 76 | 72 | 22 | 181 | .324 | .449 | .773 |
| 2025 | Pittsburgh Pirates | 135 | 544 | 471 | .200 | 20 | 61 | 62 | 38 | 174 | .298 | .378 | .676 |
| 2026 | Pittsburgh Pirates | 84 | 364 | 320 | .272 | 17 | 60 | 55 | 27 | 125 | .360 | .475 | .835 |
| Career | Totals | 463 | 1917 | 1704 | .240 | 77 | 258 | 243 | 100 | 618 | .319 | .434 | .753 |
Source: MLB Stats API ยท Multi-team seasons show combined totals โ click to expand
| Year | Team | G | PA | AB | AVG | HR | RBI | R | SB | K | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | DSL Dodgers 1 | 55 | 211 | 187 | .294 | 0 | 23 | 27 | 11 | 44 | .367 | .444 | .811 |
| 2017 | 2 teamsโผ | 105 | 438 | 397 | .237 | 10 | 44 | 60 | 8 | 132 | .297 | .350 | .647 |
| 2018 | West Virginia Power | 103 | 443 | 402 | .286 | 14 | 59 | 66 | 11 | 100 | .343 | .488 | .831 |
| 2019 | 3 teamsโผ | 73 | 292 | 265 | .298 | 8 | 34 | 35 | 11 | 74 | .356 | .475 | .831 |
| 2021 | 2 teamsโผ | 68 | 302 | 271 | .310 | 17 | 47 | 62 | 19 | 69 | .375 | .594 | .969 |
| 2022 | Indianapolis Indians | 55 | 247 | 211 | .232 | 9 | 35 | 40 | 11 | 56 | .336 | .422 | .758 |
| 2025 | Altoona Curve | 2 | 8 | 6 | .167 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | .375 | .500 | .875 |
| 2026 | 2 teamsโผ | 6 | 25 | 22 | .136 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7 | .240 | .136 | .376 |
| Career | Totals | 467 | 1966 | 1761 | .273 | 58 | 246 | 292 | 73 | 484 | .340 | .454 | .794 |
Source: MLB Stats API ยท Multi-team seasons show combined totals โ click to expand