Sport: Baseball Country: Global Category: Contracts

Pittsburgh Pirates prioritize extension talks with Oneil Cruz

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 12:00 PM

Last updated Aug 28, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates prioritize extension talks with Oneil Cruz

Summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates are focusing on an extension for outfielder Oneil Cruz as his performance improves in 2026. After a successful 2024 season, Cruz faced challenges in 2025 but is rebounding this year, currently hitting.260 with 17 home runs and 22 stolen bases. Despite missing significant time due to injury, his recent form shows potential for a strong finish to the season. The team has time to negotiate, as Cruz is under contract until after the 2028 season.

Source Links

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Key Details

•Cruz is slashing.260/.348/.491 in 2026.
•He has 17 home runs and 22 stolen bases this season.
•Cruz missed over two months due to injury but is performing well since returning.
•His extension talks are a priority for the Pirates as they plan their future.
•Cruz’s current contract runs until after the 2028 season.

Latest Updates

12:00 PMYahoo Sports — The Pirates Must Find a Way to Extend Oneil Cruz

What they're saying

"
The Pittsburgh Pirates have handed out a handful of extensions over the last five years. Since 2022, they’ve extended Ke’Bryan Hayes, Mitch Keller, Bryan Reynolds, and, this year, Konnor Griffin. However, the next player they extend should be obvious. Aside from Paul Skenes, the Pirates must find a way to get an Oneil Cruz extension …
— Yahoo Sports

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