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Pirates' Oneil Cruz getting defensive tips from ex-Rays, Blue Jays Platinum Glove outfielder
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- Pirates' Oneil Cruz getting defensive tips from ex-Rays, Blue Jays Platinum Glove outfielder
Pirates' Oneil Cruz getting defensive tips from ex-Rays, Blue Jays Platinum Glove outfielder originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Oneil Cruz has not made the easiest transition from shortstop to the outfield for the Pittsburgh Pirates .
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Cruz's arm strength remains tremendous, but he was a subpar defensive center fielder in 2025, recording -14 defensive runs saved. The 27-year-old is working to become a standout on the grass, learning about his new craft this offseason with the 2015 Platinum Glove winner, Kevin Kiermaier .
"He's got all the skills and the talent in the world," Kiermaier said about Cruz on Tuesday's episode of MLB Hot Stove on MLB Network . "He's got a cannon of an arm, and we've got all the physical attributes we need, but we need a certain level of mental lock in."
Kiermaier is a valuable coach to have
Kiermaier retired from MLB after the 2024 season, capping a 12-year career with the Tampa Bay Rays , Toronto Blue Jays , and Los Angeles Dodgers . Offense was not his specialty, but he won four Gold Glove Awards for his work in center field.
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If there's someone who can help turn Cruz into a valuable outfielder , it's Kiermaier.
He had a career-high 19 outs above average in 2019 with the Rays, and consistently put his body on the line to make diving catches.
