Oneil Cruz has been one of the Pittsburgh Pirates' best hitters the last few years, but would trading him make the team better?
By all indications, the Pittsburgh Pirates are setting themselves up to be buyers at the trade deadline to give themselves a better chance to get back to the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.
While the roster has clearly improved from a year ago, there are still some obvious needs, primarily in the back end of the bullpen.
That's where some uncomfortable conversations are going to arise in Pittsburgh's front office.
In order for the Pirates to get something of value, they'll have to give up something of value, too.
One player who could be the centerpiece for a blockbuster trade is Oneil Cruz. Even MLB insider Bob Nightengale shared that this could be on the table for the Pirates.
Should Pittsburgh explore trading its 27-year-old star?
It's not an easy yes or no. The best way to answer the question is, it depends.
May 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz (15) gets ready to bat against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn ImagesA year ago, even the thought of trading Cruz would have been outrageous. He's been one of the few bright spots in the Pirates lineup for the last few years.
However, this is a different Pirates team from last season. Ever since Cruz landed on the injured list on June 10, Pittsburgh has owned a team .275/.344/.462 slash line with a 120 wRC+.
It's not that the Pirates don't need him, because any player with a .822 OPS, but this iteration of the lineup can survive without him.
There's also going to be an interesting defensive fit once Cruz is healthy.
The one-time infielder moved to the outfield a few years ago, but the position group is more than crowded already with Bryan Reynolds, Ryan O'Hearn, Jake Mangum (for defense), and the star emergence of Esmerlyn Valdez.
Maybe manager Don Kelly would consider moving Cruz back to shortstop amid Konnor Griffin's injury. Or, the front office could capitalize on his trade value.
So, considering all of this, should the Pirates trade Cruz?
No, they shouldn't be shopping the star or actively seeking out a suitor. There's no immediate reason to rush moving on from one of the team's best offensive players of the last few seasons.
However, if including Cruz in a trade gets the Pirates someone like, say, Mason Miller, then yes, the front office should be alright with moving on from him.
