Does Pittsburgh Pirates’ Oneil Cruz possess instincts to play center field?   

Mar 21, 2026; Bradenton, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz (15) scores a run during the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at LECOM Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Oneil Cruz likely needed a day away.  

After enduring an error-filled Opening Day, the embattled Pittsburgh Pirates prospect could have benefited from time away from spending time in center field at Citi Field so soon after Thursday’s performance.  

In the first inning, Cruz initially took a bad angle on a fly ball by Brett Baty and then failed to hustle after the ball, allowing the three runs to score.  

Next batter Marcus Semien compounded the club’s concern with Cruz by popping up to shallow center field. The converted shortstop whiffed on the fielding attempt and Baty cruised home.  

Is this the improved version of Cruz promoted during spring training?  What about that offseason work? 

There’s a bigger question the Pirates brass needs to address as Cruz preps to return Friday after an off day in New York.  

Does Cruz have the positional instincts to survive as a center fielder?  

Will Pirates remain patient with Oneil Cruz?  

The New York Mets created a plan to enter the regular-season opener. Despite Cruz’s strong arm, baserunners should challenge his ability to make a throw. Francisco Lindor wasted little time implementing the strategy.   

After a lead-off walk, Lindor took the extra base on Juan Soto’s single to center. Cruz fielded the hit on a bounce, but his balance was off a bit and Lindor beat the throw. The extra base proved to be the difference as Bo Bichette lofted a 250-foot fly ball to right, resulting in a sacrifice fly.  

Three batters later, Baty stepped into the batter’s box with the bases loaded. And Cruz was about to enter the Twilight Zone.   

With top prospect Konnor Griffin marinating at Triple-A Indianapolis, there’s no room for Cruz to move back to shortstop. What about experimenting with a 6-foot-7, 248-pound second baseman who hit .200 in 471 at-bats last season?

The Pirates have two long-term decisions to consider:

Does Cruz possess the instincts to develop into a serviceable center fielder? 

And do the Pirates have enough patience?