Pittsburgh Pirates face a pivotal year as Oneill Cruz's power surge collides with puzzling plate discipline issues. Can Cruz reconnect with his 40-homer potential, or will his struggles at center field and increased passivity at the plate derail the team's hopes? Gary Morgan explores why Cruz's eye for pitches improved—yet his production plummeted, diving into swing rates, run value metrics, and the curious drop-off against fastballs and sliders.

Roster implications loom large as Cruz's future in Pittsburgh hangs in the balance, with only three years of team control remaining. Will the Pirates shift him to a corner outfield spot, revisit third base, or stick with the center field experiment? Morgan examines possible extension talks, trade scenarios, and the ripple effects on prospects like Konnor Griffin. Can the Pirates build around Cruz or should they prepare to cash out? Buckle up for a season-defining journey through lineup decisions and franchise strategy.

 

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