🛑 BREAKING NEWS: Pittsburgh Pirates Star Oneil Cruz Stuns Fans, Leaves Head Coach Don Kelly Speechless with Major Announcement 👀👇
PITTSBURGH, PA –
In a moment that no one saw coming, Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz stunned fans, teammates, and even left bench coach Don Kelly utterly speechless with a shocking mid-season announcement that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world.
During a postgame press conference Sunday evening, following a thrilling walk-off win against the Chicago Cubs, Cruz dropped the bombshell:
“After this season… I’m switching to two-way play. I’m coming for the mound.”
That’s right — the 6’7″ slugger, known for his towering home runs and rocket throws from shortstop, revealed he’s been secretly training as a pitcher during off-days. According to Cruz, he’s been clocked at 99 mph during bullpen sessions — a fact reportedly known only to team trainers and bullpen coach Justin Meccage.
Don Kelly’s reaction? A jaw-dropping silence that spoke volumes.
“I mean… if he throws like he hits, the league better brace itself,” Kelly finally said, shaking his head in disbelief. “This kid’s different.”
Fans React
Social media exploded within minutes of Cruz’s announcement. The hashtag trended nationwide, and Pirates fans are already envisioning a Shohei Ohtani–style two-way phenom in Pittsburgh.
“Move over Ohtani,” tweeted one fan. “Cruz about to shut ’em down in the 9th and hit the walk-off in the 10th.”
What’s Next?
Pirates manager Derek Shelton hasn’t confirmed whether Cruz will appear on the mound this season, but sources inside the organization say “spring training 2026 is the target.”
Oneil Cruz may have just rewritten the playbook on what it means to be a franchise cornerstone — and Pirates Nation is here for it.
