Oneil Cruz’s Tear Lifts First-Place Pirates as Swing Tweaks Take Hold

MLB Network points to a more open, narrower stance as the driver of his surge.

Overview

Cruz is batting .339 with a .400 on-base and .644 slugging, with five home runs, 13 RBIs, six steals and an 11-game hit streak that has helped the Pirates reach 9-6 and the top of the NL Central.
Statcast measured his stance shifting from 10 to 14 degrees open and his feet narrowing from 40.6 inches to 37 inches, changes analysts say help him see the ball sooner.
He is punishing left-handed pitching at a .471 clip with three homers, a jump MLB Network linked to the more open look at release.
Former GM Jim Bowden forecast a 30–30 season for Cruz, a bold call that reflects the hot start but still rests on a small early sample.
Yahoo Sports reported Pittsburgh took trade calls before Opening Day but pulled back after his surge, while mock scenarios continue to float a Yankees fit.