Pittsburgh Pirates News: Gregory Polanco, Oneil Cruz Struggling In Winter Ball

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco and prospect Oneil Cruz are both playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic this offseason. However, both are off to slow starts in the DR.

Earlier in the offseason it was announced that two key members of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization would be playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic. These two players are Gregory Polanco and Oneil Cruz.

Playing in the DR Winter League was going to be a huge positive for both Polanco and Cruz. It would allow Polanco to get at-bats, which he needs after playing in just 92 games in the past two calendar years. As for Cruz, it would be his first time facing live pitching in a game since 2019 due to the 2020 minor league season being canceled.

Playing in the DR could also be good for Cruz mentally. Getting back to baseball after a tumultous start to the offseason due to the tragic car accident he was in, as well as the issues with his girlfriend’s pregnancy, odds are, Cruz could use some baseball.

Unfortunately, both Polanco and Cruz are off to slow starts in the DR. While Polanco has hit a pair of home runs, entering play on Sunday, he was just 4-for-37 with two walks and eight strikeouts in nine games played.

One notable stat for Polanco is his 21.6% strikeout rate. While this is higher than you would like to see, it is a huge improvement over the alarming 37.4% strikeout rate he posted with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2020. If he can make contact more consistently in 2021, then Polanco appears to be a prime bounce back candidate.

As for Cruz, the Bucs’ slugging prospect is just 3-for-13 in three games played. Cruz has not drawn a walk, struck out five times, driven in a run, and hit a double. However, after not playing in any games other than simualted games at the alternate training site in Altoona during the 2020 season, just getting back on the field and facing live in-game pitching, as well as game situations again will be beneficial for Cruz.

Even with their early struggles, get the at-bats and game reps are still beneficial for Polanco and Cruz. The Pittsburgh Pirates will be looking for Polanco to bounce back in 2021, while Cruz could potentially make his MLB debut during the season. If these two things occur, they will undoubtedly be in part due to their time spent this winter in the DR.