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Pittsburgh Pirates: Middle Infield Options for 2022 Season
By Marty Leap
Diego Castillo and Oneil Cruz
While Diego Castillo, like the three players mentioned on the previous page, was acquired last July at the trade deadline, he is in a different boat. Why? Well, that is because Castillo has yet to make his MLB debut.
All Castillo did after joining the Pirate organization is impress. He hit .278/.414/.500 with a wRC+ of 146 in 70 PAs across 18 games played with Indianapolis last season. This came after he his .282/.342/.445 slash line to go with a 114 wRC+ in 121 PAs and 28 games played with Double-A Altoona.
Earlier this offseason the Pirates added Castillo to their 40-man roster, setting the stage for a 2022 MLB debut. Castillo can play both middle infield positions, along with third base. It would not be a surprise to see the 24-year-old right-handed hitter crack the team’s Opening Day roster. Even if he does not, he will likely make his MLB debut in 2022 and be given plenty of opportunities to impress at the major league level.
As for Oneil Cruz, he made his MLB debut late last season and impressed in the process. Playing in the final two games of the season for the Pirates the left-handed hitting slugger was 3-for-9 with a home run and 3 RBI.
While Cruz’s long-term home may not be the shortstop position, it’s his home for now. the Pittsburgh Pirates will likely look to get Cruz as many MLB ABs as they can in 2022. If the new CBA fixes the current services time rules then Cruz could potentially crack the Opening Day roster.
Next. 5 Ex-Pirates You Did Not Know Are Still Active. dark
Most likely, Cruz will start the 2022 season at Indianapolis. This is due to Cruz only having 29 PAs at the Triple-A level, while being a 23-year-old hitter with some swing-and-miss concern. Regardless of his long-term home, the Pirates would love for Cruz to be their shortstop while bashing extra base hits by the end of the season.