The Pirates had the 14th ranked center fielder in the league, which shows they certainly had room for improvement in this critical position. Oneil Cruz had 381 plate appearances at center field during the season, showcasing his ability to be a primary player for the team. Jake Mangum contributed with 251 plate appearances, filling in as needed. Cruz’s bat emerged as a significant asset. He posted an impressive slash line of .280/.368/.486, demonstrating both his power and on-base capabilities. His skill at the plate culminated in an OPS+ of 131, marking him as the best offensive performer among Pirates’ players this season. Conversely, Mangum struggled notably during the latter half of the season, particularly after the All-Star break, where he slashed a disappointing .238/.295/.335. Ultimately, his OPS+ for the season settled at 90, which is 10% below the league average, which is a clear indicator of his challenges at the plate. Furthermore, in terms of defense, he is not particularly distinguished, with a defensive runs saved metric of -3 in center field. Although he showed some competence compared to Cruz, who finished with a -7 in defensive runs saved—an improvement over the staggering -14 he recorded in 2025—both players still fall short of being reliable defensive assets. Center field is recognized as one of the most vital defensive positions on the team, often requiring a combination of speed, agility, and baseball intelligence. Therefore, the Pirates’ decision to play two players who are below average in this critical spot raises questions about their strategic approach and commitment to enhancing their overall defensive capabilities.
In my view, Cruz should be moved to the corner position of right field, where he can utilize his considerable skills more effectively. He also has the most value at the moment on the trade market, making it essential for the management to capitalize on this opportunity. If he was on the Tampa Bay Rays, one of the most strategic teams in the league, he would likely be playing somewhere else in 2027, emphasizing how teams recognize talent like his. On the other hand, I am not too sure that Mangum should even be on the team next year, considering the recent performance analysis. In 479 plate appearances, he only walked 25 times, indicative of a concerning inability to draw walks and extend at-bats. In order for him to really be an asset, he needs to have better command of the strike zone, honing his plate discipline to become a more complete player. Even though he looks like the prototypical leadoff hitter with his speed and agility, he does not perform well in that critical role. He led off the game 35 times this year but managed to hit only .233, walking 3 times and getting hit by the pitch twice, which reflects a lack of impact in those situations. He led off an inning 115 times this season, batting a disappointing .204 and getting on base at a mere rate of .287, showcasing how ineffective he has been in generating scoring opportunities. I know he is noted for his hustle and drive; however, that can only take you so far in a league that demands excellence. It’s not even like he is that young, as he will be entering his age 31 season, a time when most players should be at their peak. Mangum needs to improve his game dramatically or he should be seriously considering looking for a new job outside of professional baseball. This all boils down to one critical truth: the Pirates need a solid major league center fielder to enhance their roster and competitive edge. At the moment, they do not have one, which is a significant concern for their long-term success in the league.
