MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees Linked to Pirates OF Oneil Cruz

July 25, 2025 ,

Pittsburgh Pirates beat writer Noah Hiles writes that the New York Yankees are showing interest in Pittsburgh's young multi-talented star, Oneil Cruz.

Cruz would be an exciting addition to the Yankees lineup, adding speed, power, agility, and a rifle of an arm from the outfield (or shortstop). 

There are some reports that Cruz is still upset about being moved from his natural position, shortstop, to the outfield last year. But as reported by John Perrotto is Pittsburgh Baseball Now, GM Ben Cherrington isn't going to just give Cruz away, and he has placed a very high price on the young star. Mark Feinsand of mlb.com says the Pirates would have to be "absolutely bowled over" by an offer to move on from Cruz.

Going to Yankee Stadium would certainly be a good fit for Cruz, who was actually named after former Yankees great Paul O'Neill, as his father was a big fan. Oneil got to meet O'Neill a few years ago and received a signed jersey from him. 

This season, Cruz is struggling a bit at the plate, with a .219 average, though he does have 16 homers and a major league-leading 33 stolen bases. His Baseball Savant page is lit up in red, as his ranks are insane: 

  • 100th Percentile in Bat Speed
  • 100th Percentile in Average Exit Velo
  • 100th Percentile in Arm Strength
  • 99th Percentile in Barrel %
  • 99th Percentile in Hard Hit %
  • 93rd Percentile in Sprint Speed


We'll see if the Yankees, or any other team, can pique the Bucs' interest enough to land him in a trade. He still has three more seasons of team control after this one. The Yanks do have some high-end prospects, and young major leaguers that could make the Bucos think long and hard about it.

 Other clubs that are said to be trying to land Cruz are the Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Guardians, and Milwaukee Brewers.

Photo: © Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

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