Oneil Cruz reaches new Pirates peak with hardest-hit ball in Statcast Era

The tools Oneil Cruz brings to the Pirates are truly remarkable, and now that he is turning into a superstar, it is time to extend him long term. He frequently sets records in the Statcast world with his arm, speed, and bat. He previously had the record for a hardest hit ball at 122.4 mph with a single in 2022. In Game 4 against the Brewers on Sunday, Cruz broke his own record with an insane solo home run into the Allegheny River at 122.9 mph.

When Cruz puts the ball in play, it is always hit hard. His average exit velocity of 97 mph is ranked in the 100th percentile. Part of the genesis of that exit velocity is his league-best bat speed, averaging at 78.9 mph.

This record-breaking home run came from a swing of 83.7 mph, one of the hardest swings in MLB history.

This home run is also his 11th of the season and third of this series. In Game 2 against the Brewers, Cruz hit his the hardest home run of his career at 117.9 mph. This home run breaks that by five mph.

This hot stretch for Cruz is exactly what the Pirates were missing when he was hurt with back problems. Now that he is once again healthy, he is carrying this Pirates offense that ranks in the bottom of the league in runs scored, among other crucial numbers. Pittsburgh must extend Cruz, since he is the only one capable of producing runs on a daily basis.

Pirates must find a way to extend Oneil Cruz following his record breaking home run.

Earlier this season, Cruz picked up an outfield assist by throwing out a runner at the plate with a 100 mph throw. At the time, that was the hardest throw of the season from the outfield, but Oscar Gonzalez of the Padres passed him at 100.1 mph.

No matter where he is on the field, he is wowing baseball with his remarkable tools. The Pirates need to find a way to extend him, as he is the only superstar in this lineup. His skills at the plate create many scoring opportunities, something that not a lot of other players in this lineup can do.

Jeff Passan previously gave Cruz a $200 million contract price range and that may make it difficult for the Pirates to retain him. A contract of that amount would be the highest in franchise history, but the Pirates must do it to keep this competitive window open longer than just a few years.