The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled through another disappointing season, with much attention focused on Paul Skenes‘s stalled progress. Meanwhile, fans have grown increasingly restless over the team‘s lack of depth, despite the presence of dependable players like Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds, the latter having secured the franchise’s largest contract with an eight-year, $106.75 million deal signed in 2022. Recently, Cruz’s latest extraordinary home run has intensified calls from fans for the team owner Bob Nutting to offer Cruz a similar long-term commitment.
On March 5, 2025, in Bradenton, Florida, Cruz blasted a spring training home run off Logan Henderson, sending the ball with an exit velocity of 122.9 miles per hour—the hardest-hit ball ever recorded in the Statcast era, which dates back to 2015. This feat surpassed his own previous record of 122.4 miles per hour set in August 2022, as well as Giancarlo Stanton’s 121.7 miles per hour home run hit in 2018, placing Cruz at the top of all Statcast leaderboards for exit velocity.
Fan Reactions Highlight Desire for Immediate Action on Cruz’s Future
Following this record-setting display of power, Pirates fans took to social media to express frustration that Cruz has yet to receive a contract extension. One fan emphatically wrote,
“GIVE HIM ANYTHING HE WANTS, BOB!”
as others shared animated GIFs of blank checks to symbolize urgency and full support for Cruz’s financial security. However, some criticism emerged over the team’s management decisions, with fans questioning the strategy of positioning Cruz as a lead-off batter, given his power hitting capabilities.
Despite the overall discouraging season for the Pirates, Cruz remains a rare bright spot by continuously elevating his performance and raising expectations across the league.
Context Around the Pirates’ Current Challenges and Prospects
The Pirates’ struggles this season include concerns regarding the development and utilization of key players such as Paul Skenes, which has drawn public criticism from rival commentators. Meanwhile, the organization has attempted to bolster the roster by signing former first-round picks aimed at strengthening the lineup. These moves come amid growing fan pressure and skepticism about the team‘s direction and management, especially with regard to supporting young talents like Cruz.
Significance of Cruz’s Impact and What Lies Ahead
Oneil Cruz’s historic home run does more than just break records—it highlights the potential cornerstone talent the Pirates possess amid an otherwise struggling team. His rising stature among fans and analysts underscores the urgency behind contract extension demands, as securing Cruz long-term could anchor the franchise’s rebuilding efforts. How Bob Nutting and the Pirates’ front office respond in the coming months will likely influence the team’s ability to retain key players and shape its future competitiveness.