Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz is pursuing one of baseball’s most difficult milestones in the 2025 season, aiming to join a highly exclusive group by achieving a 30/30 season—a rare combination of 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases. This impressive pursuit could place Cruz alongside the legendary Barry Bonds, who remains the only Pirate to accomplish this feat.

Oneil Cruz’s Recent Performances Signal Momentum for Pirates

Standing 6-foot-7 and known for his versatility at shortstop and occasional outfield appearances, Oneil Cruz has already reached double digits in both home runs and stolen bases this season. This puts him on pace to challenge the elusive 30/30 benchmark. Cruz began 2025 with a strong start, smashing eight home runs in his first 25 games, but faced setbacks in May due to a slump and lower back tightness that kept him off the field briefly.

However, his power and speed have rebounded impressively. Cruz’s two-homer game last Friday marked a career milestone and featured the hardest-hit home run ever recorded by a Pirate in the Statcast era, clocked at 117.9 mph. The following day, he hit a crucial triple to bring home the winning run in a close 2-1 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers, also fulfilling a promise by giving his game-winning bat to a 10-year-old fan.

The Rarity and Prestige of 30/30 Seasons in Baseball History

Achieving 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in one season remains one of the rarest accomplishments in Major League Baseball, reserved for players who display extraordinary skill, health, and consistency. Beyond Bonds, other notable 30/30 achievers include Alex Rodriguez, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Alfonso Soriano. Should Cruz complete this feat, he would instantly enter an elite class of players known for their combination of power and speed.

For the Pirates, Cruz’s chase represents more than personal success; it signals a new era rooted in performance rather than past glory. The last time Pittsburgh saw a player on the cusp of such history was during Bonds’ tenure at Three Rivers Stadium. While Cruz doesn’t have to mirror Bonds’ legacy exactly, joining the 30/30 club would affirm his long-term value to the franchise.

Challenges Ahead and the Path Forward for Cruz

With more than 100 games remaining in the season, Cruz faces the challenge of maintaining his current level of production and sustaining the aggressive approach on the basepaths that has fueled his stolen base totals. His current stats after Memorial Day reflect 11 home runs and 18 stolen bases, indicating steady progress toward the 30/30 goal.

Every at-bat continues to bring excitement to Pirates fans, as Cruz carves his own niche in Pittsburgh baseball lore. Surpassing milestones like these would not only highlight his individual talent but also uplift the team’s competitive spirit, possibly inspiring a resurgence for the Pirates as they look toward the future.