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Pittsburgh Pirates: Potential Designated Hitters in 2022
By Marty Leap
Oneil Cruz
Odds are that Oneil Cruz, who FanGraphs now ranks as the top prospect in the Pirate farm system, will begin the 2022 season at Triple-A Indianapolis. If the new CBA fixes baseball’s current service times rules then the door could be cracked open for Cruz to start the season on the active roster.
All of that said, at some point early in the season Cruz is likely to become a mainstay in the Pirate lineup. While he is a shortstop by trait many people have long believed that would not be his long-term home due to his 6-foot-7 frame.
With his power potential and lack of a natural defensive position Cruz appears to be a prime candidate to be a designated hitter long-term. The DH life could now begin for Cruz as early as this season.
The reason Cruz is such highly touted prospect is due to his sky high ceiling as a power hitter. Whenever Cruz arrives full-time in Pittsburgh it would not be a surprise to see the Pirates put Cruz as the team’s designated hitter and just let him focus on hitting.
It’s simple, allow Cruz to be your DH. Let his mash. Profit.