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Pirates Breakout Star Draws Shocking Comparison To Barry Bonds
TL;DR
Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates is having a breakout season, batting .292 with six home runs and nine stolen bases. He is drawing comparisons to Barry Bonds, potentially aiming for a historic 30-30 season.
Key points
- Oneil Cruz is in his sixth Major League season.
- He is batting .292 with six home runs and nine stolen bases.
- Cruz could join Barry Bonds in achieving a 30-30 season.
Oneil CruzBarry BondsPittsburgh Pirates
Barry Bonds
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Now in his sixth Major League season, Oneil Cruz finally seems to be putting it all together. The Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder is off to a fantastic start in his age-27 season, batting .292/.364/.551 with six home runs, 19 RBI and an NL-leading nine stolen bases through 22 games.
If he keeps it up, Cruz has a chance to become just the second player in Pirates history with 30 homers and 30 steals in the same season, joining Barry Bonds. At this pace, he might even threaten 40/40.
The comparison to Bonds is an interesting one, as Cruz has a similar profile with his speed and power. In fact, some of their numbers are eerily similar at the same point in their careers.
Through their first 1,652 career plate appearances, Cruz has 66 homers and 82 steals. Meanwhile, Bonds had 64 homers and 84 steals.
Q&A
What are Oneil Cruz's current batting statistics?
Oneil Cruz is batting .292 with six home runs, 19 RBI, and nine stolen bases in his age-27 season.
How does Oneil Cruz compare to Barry Bonds in terms of potential achievements?
Cruz could become only the second player in Pirates history to achieve 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season, a feat previously accomplished by Barry Bonds.
What is the significance of a 40/40 season in baseball?
A 40/40 season, which includes 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases, is a rare achievement in baseball that highlights a player's exceptional power and speed.
