These 3 shortstop prospects could benefit most from Pirates' Oneil Cruz move

The Pirates' decision to move Oneil Cruz from shortstop to center field is largely designed to mitigate his shoddy defense while keeping his bat in the lineup. While the position change will likely impact Cruz and utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa the most, the choice also could pay dividends throughout the Pirates’ system. 

Pittsburgh’s prospect pool is stacked with shortstops. After all, three of the Pirates’ past seven first-round picks have manned the position. Nearly a third of the club’s top prospects list short among their primary positions. Of the rich talent available, these three shortstops stand to gain the most from Cruz’s relocation.

Moving Oneil Cruz from short to center will reverberate throughout the Pirates' shortstop-rich system.

3. Jack Brannigan, High-A Greensboro

The buzz about Brannigan usually focuses on his prodigious power. He had a .646 slugging percentage in the month of July before landing on the injured list with a left shoulder injury. His glove, though, has the ability to turn heads as well. Of the three top prospects to play short with Greensboro this season (Brannigan, Mitch Jebb, and Termarr Johnson), Brannigan has the highest range factor per game, sitting at 3.80.

Brannigan was a two-way player in college, so his development at short lags behind some of his peers. In some ways, he seems to fit the model of Cruz: plus-arm, good range, poor fundamentals. The Cruz-sized hole at short may motivate the Pirates to keep Brannigan at the position in hopes that he hones his defensive skills.

2. Tsung-Che Cheng, Double-A Altoona

Cheng will likely experience the most direct impact from Cruz’s move. He has spent the season at Double-A Altoona, but will likely be banging on the door of the big leagues by this time next year. The removal of Cruz to the outfield may expedite that process. Cheng is considered by some to be the best defensive shortstop in the system, and his plus-speed would give the Pirates -- a below-average team on the bases -- another offensive weapon.

1. Konnor Griffin, Rookie League

The Pirates’ 2024 first rounder is likely ages away from donning the black and yellow, but the fact that Griffin plays both short and center forces him into this conversation. By the time Griffin is nearing the majors, Cruz will be in his final year or so under team control, so there is a world in which one oversized former shortstop hands the reins over to another player of a similar build. Griffin has the potential to fill Cruz’s shoes as a human highlight reel.