Pirates' Oneil Cruz Stands Out While Standing Tall

Believe it not, the Pittsburgh Pirates are actually worth watching.

Stuck in a years-long pattern of mediocrity, Pittsburgh's been given new life thanks to the recent play of shortstop Oneil Cruz, who stands 6'7 and weighs in at more than 215 pounds - making him the tallest shortstop in MLB history.

Cruz made his Major League debut last October, playing in two games, then began this season in Triple-A. He was promoted to the Pirates less than two weeks ago and has appeared in nine games, quickly gaining notoriety for his size and skills.

In his 2022 season debut (June 20th), Cruz threw a ball from short to first that clocked 96.7 mph - the hardest throw by an infielder this year.

He can throw and run too. As of Wednesday morning, Cruz holds the top mark for Pirates this season in hardest hit ball (112.9) and fastest sprint speeds, regularly hitting more than 30 mph. Impressive numbers for anyone, let alone someone who's taller than Aaron Judge, the Yankees'  giant slugger.

And oh by the way, he also drilled his first career home run 408 feet.

“God just gave him all that,” Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds says of Cruz, per MSN. “and said, ‘You’re going to hit the ball 120 mph.’”

Technically Cruz only hit the ball about 110 mph, but we're with you Bryan.

Follow along on Twitter: @OhioAF