Finally—It’s Official! Pirates Call Up Phenom Prospect

It's the move that Pittsburgh Pirates (and baseball) fans have been waiting for: The team has finally recalled its top prospect, 6'7" shortstop Oneil Cruz. 

BREAKING: Pirates Top Prospect, Oneil Cruz has been promoted to Pittsburgh: Per Source

— Kody Duncan (@KodyDuncanPGH) June 19, 2022

Pirates manager Derek Shelton has confirmed the news. The move had been rumored for several days, but fans watched the Pirates call up others from Triple-A instead. Finally, on Sunday, Cruz was pulled from Triple-A Indianapolis's starting lineup, and instead coached first base. That was the final clue. On Monday, the exciting power-speed prospect will finally make his 2022 debut with the big club. 

Cruz had a slow start to his Triple-A season, giving the Pirates reasons to keep him down, until the 'Super Two' period was past, giving the team extra controllable years. He's ramped up his power numbers over the past month, however, now sporting 9 home runs and 35 RBIs, to go along with 11 stolen bases. 

Last year in the minors, he was dominant, with a .310 average, a .969 OPS, along with 17 home runs and 19 stolen bases.

He impressed in a 2-game trial in September, going 3-for-9 with with 3 RBIs.

Photo Credit; Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK