THIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR RIGHT NOW:: Pittsburgh pirates Major League baseball team Excited as head coach Don Kelly makes announcements of Making Shortstop Oneil Cruz the…… view more

THIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR RIGHT NOW: Pittsburgh Pirates Excited as Head Coach Don Kelly Makes Major Announcement About Shortstop Oneil Cruz

In what fans are calling the most exciting development of the season, Pittsburgh Pirates interim head coach Don Kelly delivered major news that has ignited a wave of hope and energy throughout the Steel City: star shortstop Oneil Cruz is officially being named the cornerstone of the team’s rebuild — both on and off the field.

Speaking to reporters during a pregame press conference, Kelly confirmed that Cruz will not only remain the team’s starting shortstop but will also take on a greater leadership role, effectively becoming the face of the Pirates’ future.

“Oneil is not just our guy at shortstop — he’s the guy for this organization moving forward,” Kelly said. “He’s earned it with his work ethic, his resilience, and the way he lifts everyone around him.”

Cruz, 6-foot-7 and known for his jaw-dropping athleticism and powerful bat, missed a significant portion of the 2023 season due to injury. But since his return, he has shown flashes of elite play, including towering home runs, clutch hits, and dynamic defensive plays.

A Symbol of the Future

At just 26 years old, Cruz embodies the raw talent and upside that fans have long hoped would develop into something special. Kelly’s announcement signals the organization’s renewed commitment to building a competitive, exciting team around him.

According to sources inside the front office, Cruz will also have increased input in team culture and clubhouse dynamics — a move rarely seen for a player still early in his MLB career. It’s clear that the Pirates view him as more than a player — they see him as a future franchise legend.

“It’s an honor,” Cruz said after practice. “I’ve always believed in what we’re building here, and now I get to lead that charge. Pittsburgh has had my back, and I’m going to give everything I’ve got.”

Fan Reaction

Pirates fans, who have endured years of rebuilds and near-misses, took to social media to express their excitement. One tweet read: “Locking in Cruz as the franchise centerpiece is exactly what we needed. Let’s go, Bucs!”

With trade rumors swirling and the MLB deadline approaching, this announcement may also calm concerns about potential roster shakeups. Cruz’s solidified role suggests the front office is focused on stability and long-term growth.

What’s Next?

The Pirates sit just outside the NL Wild Card race, and with a favorable schedule ahead, there’s cautious optimism that a late-season push is possible. More importantly, fans now have a clear vision of who this team is becoming — and Oneil Cruz is front and center.