Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has expressed deep admiration for his teammate Oneil Cruz’s extraordinary hitting ability as Cruz prepares to compete in the 2025 Home Run Derby. During practices and games leading up to the Derby, Skenes has highlighted Cruz’s raw power and influence on the team’s dynamic, emphasizing how Cruz’s batting practice changes the energy in the clubhouse.
How Cruz’s Physical Presence and Skill Electrify the Pirates
Standing 6-foot-7, 26-year-old Oneil Cruz captivates those around him with a swing defined by a rare mix of ferocity and fluidity. Known within the Pirates organization for his unmatched strength, Cruz’s impact is not only about the distance of his hits but also the excitement he generates whenever he steps up to the plate. Skenes pointed out that witnessing Cruz’s batting practice feels like
“the actual show has started, before the first pitch,”
underscoring the effect Cruz has in setting the tone for the team’s offense.
Paul Skenes’s Firsthand Observations and Praise
Paul Skenes, a pitcher who regularly faces some of the most talented hitters in Major League Baseball, remains genuinely impressed by Cruz’s abilities, stating on MLB Network Radio:
“I’m as excited for that (Oneil Cruz in the Derby) as I am for the actual All-Star Game. His batting practice is the most impressive I’ve ever seen in my life.”
This praise comes from a player who knows the power needed to succeed at the highest level, highlighting Cruz’s standout status.
Skenes elaborated further on Cruz’s explosive power, illustrating how even poorly timed swings yield remarkable results:
“He misses balls and they still land in the second deck. I think he hit a ball over the Chop House when we were in Atlanta last year.”
Such feats emphasize Cruz’s potential to reshape the Pirates’ narrative as a team with national prominence.
The Rising Influence of Skenes and Cruz on the Pirates’ Future
In recent years, the Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled to generate national attention, but the emergence of Paul Skenes on the mound and Oneil Cruz at the plate signals a new era for the franchise. Their combined talents serve as a fresh identity for the club, one characterized by dominant pitching paired with awe-inspiring power hitting.
With Cruz’s participation in the Home Run Derby, the spotlight intensifies on him to showcase his talents on a bigger stage — an opportunity that could not only elevate his own status but also help put Pittsburgh back on MLB’s national map. Fans and experts alike are watching keenly to see if Cruz’s incredible hitting can translate into memorable moments that define the Pirates’ resurgence.
What This Means for Baseball and the Pirates Moving Forward
Oneil Cruz’s scheduled appearance at the 2025 Home Run Derby is expected to draw significant attention, not just for his raw power but for the potential shift it may bring to the perception of the Pittsburgh Pirates. With Paul Skenes acknowledging Cruz’s extraordinary talent, the team’s outlook appears promising, blending disciplined pitching and jaw-dropping offense.
The rest of the league will likely take notice of this developing power duo, as Cruz continues to hit balls far beyond conventional limits, setting new challenges for both opponents and fans. As the Derby approaches, anticipation builds to see if Cruz’s performance will solidify his reputation and spark a larger revival for the Pirates franchise.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Pirates pull Paul Skenes?
A. The Pittsburgh Pirates’ manager, Derek Shelton, decided to take Skenes out after he threw 99 pitches and matched his career-best with 11 strikeouts. Shelton shared with reporters, including those from SportsNet Pittsburgh, that he believes it was an easy call to make. “Not at all. He was tired,” explained Shelton.
Q. How does Livvy Dunne know Paul Skenes?
A. Gymnast Livvy Dunne and her boyfriend, baseball player Paul Skenes, are sharing the story of their popular relationship. It all started at Louisiana State University, where both attended school.
Q. How many days rest does Paul Skenes need?
A. The Pirates will probably include a sixth pitcher during hectic schedules. This allows Skenes and others in the rotation more time to rest between games. Over time, a four-day rest period will likely become standard for the talented right-hander as he grows in experience.