Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Oneil Cruz had a miserable showing in center field on Opening Day.
Cruz made two poor plays defensively that helped yield four runs for the New York Mets, who would take a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the first inning in front of a sellout home crowd at Citi Field.
He misread a fly ball from designated hitter Brett Baty, as it sailed over him and ended up a bases-clearing triple to give the Mets a 4-2 lead.
Cruz then lost a fly ball in the sun, as he was not wearing sunglasses, which dropped for a double from second baseman Marcus Semien, scoring Baty and increasing the Mets’ advantage to 5-2.
Sixers star Joel Embiid, a former scoring champion and MVP, took notice of Cruz’s defensive shortcomings and hilariously suggested a position swap.
“Cruz, get ready to learn DH buddy!” Embiid shared on X.
Those two plays resulted in the reigning Cy Young winner, Paul Skenes, being pulled from the game in the first inning. All five runs were earned, while Cruz was not charged with an error.
Cruz Continues to be Defensive Liability
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid ripped Oneil Cruz for disastrous inning on Opening Day
It’s no secret that power is Cruz’s most notable tool.
The former Home Run Derby participant is among the strongest players in the league and offers plenty of pop in the heart of the Pirates’ lineup.
Defensively, he leaves a lot to be desired.
His struggles in center field are not new, as he was one of the worst at the position in 2025.
He finished with -14 defensive runs saved (DRS) and -11 defensive runs saved above average. Both metrics were the second-worst marks of any qualified center fielder in MLB, according to FanGraphs.
The 2025 campaign marked his first full season at the position. His natural position is shortstop.
Cruz boasts the speed and arm to be a solid outfielder, but too frequently misreads plays as he did on Opening Day.
Cruz Trained With Gold Glove OF During Offseason
GettyOneil Cruz trained to become better outfielder
Dominic Campbell of Sports Illustrated reported that Cruz trained with four-time Gold Glove Award winner Kevin Kiermaier this offseason.
The training sessions were scheduled to ease Cruz’s transition from the infield to center field. Based on the early returns, Cruz could use a bit more tutelage.
Or, as Joel Embiid suggested, it may be time for a permanent swap to designated hitter for the Dominican slugger.
Similar to the Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber or Red Sox legend David Ortiz, some players thrive as strictly hitters.
Given his immense outfield struggles, a similar role may be befitting Cruz.
His supreme athleticism may make it difficult for the team to move on, though.
Kiermaier spoke to Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about Cruz and said that he has confidence in him becoming a strong defensive center fielder.
“Watching him for years, I knew exactly what I was signing up for in a way,” Kiermaier said.
“He’s so so athletic and gifted already. But if we can blend some good technique and focus … everything will work out.”
Hopefully, their offseason training pays off soon.
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