It's Finally Here: The Young Bucs Should Have Fans Excited

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Andre Curtis

There are plenty of ways I could start off this story. And when is the last time that was the case when writing about the active Pirates roster?  I could tell you how outfielder Jack Suwinski leads all rookies in homeruns. I could tell you how rookie starting pitcher Roansy Contreras has some of the nastiest stuff I have seen in years. I could even tell you how Bryan Reynolds has the 4th highest career batting average in the month of June, only behind Joe Jackson, Lou Gehrig, and Ty Cobb. Yet, all of this is not as impressive as the unique specimen that is O’Neil Cruz. Cruz’s minor league career statistics may not wow you on the surface, but there are things this guy can do on the field that will leave your jaw dropping, and eyes bugging.

Here are some quick facts about Cruz that you should know. Cruz stands at 6’7 tall and plays shortstop. He is 23 years old from the Dominican Republic, and according to Fangraphs, is the 7th ranked prospect in all of baseball. Although, because O’Neil Cruz is such a special talent, many experts differ in opinions about his ranking amongst MLB prospects. For example, MLB.com has Cruz ranked as the 3rd best prospect. In my opinion, nobody holds a torch to O’Neil Cruz’s potential and ceiling. His versatility is what makes him so incredible. In fact, after just two games up in the MLB, O’Neil Cruz rose from 4th favorite to win rookie of the year for the NL, to the favorite.

Back to Jack Suwinski. I already told you how Captain Jack leads all rookies amongst home runs, but this kid practically turned into a star overnight. Last Sunday, on Father's day vs the San Francisco Giants, Suwinski became the first rookie in baseball history to hit three home runs in the same game, with the last being a walkoff home run. He also became the first Pirate rookie to hit three home runs in the same game since Andrew McCutchen. Those three home runs on father’s day bring Suwinski’s total to 11 on the season. Being that Jack is on the Pittsburgh Pirates, and that he is having this hot of a start to his major league career, it begs the question…is Jack Suwinski just a flash in the pan?

The short answer I can give you is no, Suwinski isn’t just a flash in the pan. Will he be the next Andrew McCutchen type player for the Pirates? I don’t believe that either. Suwinski strikes me as a guy who can give the Pirate’s 20-25 home runs a season for years to come. A hot Suwinski stat to watch for the rest of the season: Can he break Jason Bay’s rookie season home run record of 26?

The Pirates sit at 3rd place in the NL Central with a record of 28-40 as we come to the final stretch of June. The Bucs may not be winning as many games as fans hoped they would, but I reiterate the point that the window for Pirates success is beginning to crack open. As soon as next season I believe the Pirates can be competitive and make a push for the playoffs. 

Adding O’Neil Cruz and Jack Suwinski to a young lineup that already includes Ke’Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds is scary on paper. The Pirates have a great hometown closer in David Bednar, but I’d like to see the Buccos go out and spend money on solid starting pitchers this offseason. There are also plenty of prospects that are yet to come up for the Pirates too. It will be interesting to see how this new generation of Pirates do once they are all together, and again..that window is coming up. 

Just in case you missed it, checkout this montage of all that O’Neil Cruz did in his 2022 season debut against the Chicago Cubs. Keep in mind…this is all from just one game. This video touches on his versatility around the baseball field, showing you his hitting skills, speed, and his powerful arm. Try not to fall out of your chair.