Oneil Cruz

Oneil Cruz will lead off for the Pirates against the Blue Jays Saturday.

Fantasy Impact

Cruz will provide the Pirates’ with a power bat in the lead off spot, should they choose to deploy him there this season. The 24-year-old slashed .233/.294/.450 with 17 home runs, 54 RBI, and 10 stolen bases in 87 games in 2022.

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz says he 'looking for 30/30 or 40/40' in the 2023 season.

Fantasy Impact

Those are certainly some lofty personal goals for the young shortstop. The 24-year-old has indeed shown a productive combination of power and speed in his young career, hitting 18 homers with 10 steals across just 89 games to date. Cruz also ranked in the league's 96th percentile in barrel rate and 91st in average exit velocity in 2022, so his career .221 isolated power figure seems appropriate. He is a fine option for those who miss out on the top tier of shortstops on draft day.

Oneil Cruz went 3-for-6 with a run scored and a strikeout during Tuesday's 8-7 extra-inning loss to the Cardinals.

Fantasy Impact

From atop the Pittsburgh lineup, Cruz delivered three hits, boosting his average to .235 in the process. The rookie has had a solid 2022, hitting 17 homers and driving in 54 across 87 games playing this season.

Oneil Cruz went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI during Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Reds.

Fantasy Impact

Cruz brought in a pair with a second inning double, his 12th of the year and runners 52 and 53 driven in this season. The 23-year-old has put together four straight multi-hit games as his average sits at .231 for the year.

Oneil Cruz went 4-for-5 with four singles and two runs scored during Monday's 8-3 win over the Reds.

Fantasy Impact

Cruz manned the lead-off spot to perfection Monday, totaling a career-high four hits en route to a Pittsburgh victory. Cruz is batting .225 this season following his second straight multi-hit game.