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The Pittsburgh Pirates are officially headed for the national spotlight, thanks to Oneil Cruz. The slugger announced he will participate in the 2025 Home Run Derby this year. The shortstop is widely known for his jaw-dropping power, and his presence in Atlanta is already generating buzz across the league.
Cruz made his intentions clear in a quote posted by MLB reporter Alex Stumpf on X (formerly Twitter), offering insight through interpreter and batting practice coach Stephen Morales.
“I like to hit balls far. I think I’m going to enjoy it a lot.”
Morales will be throwing to Cruz at the Derby, a unique advantage in a timed format where rhythm and familiarity are everything. This marks Cruz’s first direct comment about the event, ending speculation about whether the Statcast leader would take the national stage.
From a numbers standpoint, Cruz is built for this showcase. In 2025, he’s batting .203 with 15 home runs, 28 stolen bases (which leads MLB) and a .402 slugging percentage. While his average is down, his exit velocity and power numbers tell the real story. The 6-foot-7 shortstop crushed a 122.9 mph home run against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 25th, the hardest-hit ball in the Statcast era.
This appearance is also a significant spotlight moment for the Pirates, a team that rarely receives national attention outside of ace Paul Skenes. Cruz’s inclusion in the Home Run Derby presents a valuable branding opportunity for a franchise in rebuild mode. His 463-foot blast on April 23rd against the Los Angeles Angels and his longest career home run, a 472-foot shot off Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt on July 27th, 2024, showcase the raw power that makes him a must-watch hitter.
His combination of raw strength and athleticism also positions him for a potential 30-30 season, 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, something no Pirates player has accomplished since Barry Bonds. That blend of speed and power makes Cruz the most explosive dual-threat in the competition, a perfect match for the Derby’s high-stakes format.
As the MLB Home Run Derby approaches, Cruz’s presence gives fans and scouts a reason to tune in. The Pirates have their franchise face on a national stage, and with Morales in his corner and record-breaking tools at the plate, Cruz might just steal the show.
