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Left-handed pitcher Omar Cruz
As part of the Joe Musgrove trade last offseason the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired lefty Omar Cruz. Viewed as a potential back of the rotation starter or bullpen arm, Cruz was always one of the lesser pieces in the trade.
Cruz spent the majority of the 2021 season with Double-A Altoona. As a member of the Curve the lefty posted a 3.44 ERA, 4.11 FIP, 0.76 HR/9, 7.3% walk rate and a 19.9% strikeout rate in 70.2 innings across 14 starts.
Prior to being promoted to Altoona, Cruz started the season with High-A Greensboro. In 7 starts for the Grasshoppers Cruz posted a 3.45 ERA, 4.71 FIP, 1.26 HR/9, 11.9% walk rate and a 32.2% strikeout rate. So, while Cruz’s walk and home run rates improved with the promotion to Double-A, his strikeout rate suffered.
While the Pittsburgh Pirates need pitching help in 2022, odds are, Cruz is not that pitcher. Not yet, at least. Due to this it would not be a surprise to see Cherington look to move Cruz for a lower end prospect. If Cherington is unable to do so then Cruz will likely be added to the 40-man roster as he would likely be selected in the Rule 5 Draft, but a trade of Cruz certainly would not be surprising.