Pittsburgh Pirates: What to Do With Oneil Cruz in 2024, Possible Roster Construction

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With Oneil Cruz set to return to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024, should the Bucs leave him at shortstop? And other potential roster construction ideas.

As the Pittsburgh Pirates continue to build towards a postseason-worthy team, they are encountering several challenges and dilemmas. These challenges encompass various positions and players within the organization.

First Base: The first base position remains uncertain, with contenders like Malcom Nuñez and Alfonso Rivas in the mix, with Connor Joe as another possible option.

Second base and shortstop: The Pirates face a severe problem in the middle infield. Emerging MLB prospects like Termarr Johnson and Tsung-Che Cheng are showcasing their talents in the minors, creating competition for current players like Liover Peguero and Ji-Hwan Bae. In addition, there are players with less-established roles, such as Tucupita Marcano, Nick Gonzales, Alika Williams, and Vinny Capra. The presence of Shortstop Oneil Cruz at shortstop further complicates this situation.

Outfield: Finding a spot for Oneil Cruz in the outfield may pose challenges, especially if he encounters defensive struggles. The Pirates already have numerous outfield options, including prospects like Lonne White Jr, Matt Gorski, and Shalin Polanco. They also have established players like Bryan Reynolds, Jack Suwinski, and Henry Davis along with Joshua Palacios.

Catcher: The catcher position belongs to Endy Rodriguez, but the Pirates may need to consider Henry Davis as the backup while giving him opportunities as a designated hitter (DH). The possibility of Oneil Cruz becoming a DH could depend on the manager's decisions.

DH: While most of the roster is manageable with no set DH and multiple players able to fill it, keeping Andrew McCutchen past the 2024 season would make the roster and lineup hard to work around as young players will have to be traded, cut, or held down, possibly ruining their careers. If they keep McCutchen past the 2024 season, he would rarely play in this scenario, and if anything, should become a Bench Coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates. While I love McCutchen, these scenarios value prospects over him.

Here's a breakdown of how the Pirates could address these challenges:

Catcher & First Base: Splitting time between catcher and first base could be an option, with Endy Rodriguez and Henry Davis sharing the catcher role. On off-days behind the plate, Endy could play first base, and Malcom Nuñez or Alfonso Rivas could cover first. Henry Davis might also play right field when not catching.

Second & Shortstop: To accommodate the influx of talented middle infielders, Oneil Cruz may need to transition to the outfield. Ji-Hwan Bae, who could platoon between second base and outfield. Tucupita Marcano, Liover Peguero, Alika Williams, Vinny Capra, and Nick Gonzales could all contribute to the middle infield, but the primary starters might be Termarr Johnson and Tsung-Che Cheng.

Third Base: The third base position is firmly held by Ke'Bryan Hayes, with Jared Triolo as a solid backup option. Triolo can also play second base and possibly shortstop.

Outfield: Oneil Cruz could potentially move to the outfield, joining players like Jack Suwinski and Bryan Reynolds. Other players who can play outfield include Henry Davis, Joshua Palacios, Connor Joe, and Ji-Hwan Bae on occasion. Matt Gorski, known for his slugging abilities, is a promising outfield prospect who may be ready for a call-up. Additionally, prospects like Lonnie White Jr and Shalin Polanco, though not yet prepared, are on the horizon.

In summary, these challenges indicate that Oneil Cruz may need to transition to the outfield to accommodate other players in the infield. While Andrew McCutchen would have to take on limited playtime, sign with another team or retire.

With an abundance of players in the organization, some may eventually be cut or traded. The Pirates' management must make thoughtful decisions to avoid stalling player development, as seen with past prospects like Alen Hanson and Kyle McPherson, who spent too much time in the minors, potentially hindering their careers.

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