ATLANTA – If you’re wondering why Oneil Cruz is still with Class AAA Indianapolis, the good news is that he will most likely be called up in the near future.
If you’ve spoken up about it, well, at least know you’ve been heard.
“We hear it from the fans,” director of coaching and player development John Baker told traveling media in the visitors dugout at Truist Park Friday. “I know what the fans want in Pittsburgh is winning baseball, and that's what I'm trying to help create in my position. Great players for Shelty [manager Derek Shelton] and DK [bench coach Don Kelly] to be able to put out on the field, because ultimately, we do want to win. Again, we just have to exercise enough patience and sensibility in this process, because yes, there's definitely pressure to get Oneil to the big leagues.”
Cruz, the 23-year-old shortstop and No. 21 prospect in the game according to Baseball America, has been tantalizingly close to the majors all season at the Pirates’ top affiliate, and the Pirates certainly haven’t shied away from calling up prospects. Their lineup Friday for their game against the Braves consists of five rookies, even: Starter Roansy Contreras, corner outfielders Cal Mitchell and Travis Swaggerty and the middle infield duo of Tucupita Marcano and Diego Castillo. Jack Suwinski, another regular in the outfield for most of this season, is on the bench.
Cruz, though, has not gotten his call, with the Pirates consistently citing his development as the reason for why he is still in the minors. There is an obvious temptation to call him up, though.
For example, the Pirates' shortstops this year have been among the worst in baseball offensively, recording just a .580 OPS. According to FanGraphs, their -0.6 WAR at that position is the second-worst in baseball. Cruz started slow, but has been one of the hottest hitters in the minors of late, including slashing .278/.435/.611 with a pair of homers in June.
"It's kind of like Christmas,” Baker said. “You want the present. I think about being a kid and you want the present and you want to open it up. We want to provide him the opportunity to not just be a good major-league player, but a great major-league player, and that just requires patience.”
Both defensive and offensive points in his development have been cited, including getting more reps in the outfield, something he did not get much opportunity to do in 2021 because of his forearm injury. Cruz is starting in left field for Indianapolis Friday.
On offense, a lot of the discussion revolves around “consistent focus in the at-bat and good swing decisions.” The latter can be a bit difficult to coach into him, because Cruz has shown time and again – including during his major-league cameo last year – to be able to elevate pitches at his ankles. That includes one from last night:
How. Does. @OneilCruz4. Do. That. pic.twitter.com/T0LfFliZHd
— Indianapolis Indians (@indyindians) June 10, 2022
Baker’s message after that homer? “Hey, swing at the right pitches. Except when you do that. That’s good.”
After spring training, Baker said Cruz was challenged by the coaching staff to be consistently locked in and hustle. By Baker’s assessment, he’s done that.
But there’s still some more waiting to do until he gets that call.
“We love what he can do, but we want to make sure that we've checked every box, dotted every I and crossed every T, to put him in the best position to be incredibly successful.”
MORE FROM BAKER
• Right-hander Mike Burrows has excelled in Altoona this year, pitching to a 2.13 ERA over his first 11 starts and striking out nine in his most recent outing Wednesday.
So when could we see him make the jump to Indianapolis?
“Mike's been great. I think we need space in Indianapolis for Mike. But yeah, he's done such a phenomenal job that I think when the time is right, we'll see that jump.”
• Baker said the hiring of Jason Kendall to an advisory role is not yet official, but said he was very excited to have the longtime Pirate catcher come on board and "donate" his time.
All signs point to the role being a roaming advisor where he would go to different affiliates to coach and talk to players. He has already made one trip to Altoona.
"Nothing warms my heart more than Jason showing up to Altoona, us bringing him into the locker room, and him telling all the players about how you're supposed to play the game of baseball. Nobody played it harder."
