Pittsburgh Pirates: Potential First Time All-Stars

PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 26: David Bednar #51 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the St. Louis Cardinals during the game at PNC Park on August 26, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 26: David Bednar #51 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the St. Louis Cardinals during the game at PNC Park on August 26, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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Oct 3, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz (61) circles the bases on his first career major league home run a two run home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz (61) circles the bases on his first career major league home run a two run home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Shortstop Oneil Cruz

We now know that Oneil Cruz will start the season at Triple-A. Should he? Probably not, but that is something that has been hashed out and beaten into the ground in recent days among fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Despite this, Cruz could still have a legitimate chance to be an All-Star. He could re-join the Pirates as soon as late April as at that point the organization will have secured a seventh year of control with Cruz.

If this were to occur and Cruz performs at the plate it is not difficult to envision him ending up an All-Star. Cruz is another player who will enter the season with plenty of hype and expectations from people around baseball. As we said with Hayes, this will work in his favor for any sort of All-Star bid that is made.

Next. Previewing Altoona's Pitching Staff. dark

There may be a god bit that would have to go right in order for Cruz to reach the Mid-Summer Classic. That said, it is not impossible and out of the realm of possibility. Especially if he earns an early season promotion and picks up where he left off at in Grapefruit League play.