We were supposed to find out a lot more about what the Pirates had in Oneil Cruz, but an early season injury wiped that out.
10 months after he fractured his left leg, Cruz posted on Instagram Wednesday that he is healthy and ready to go in 2024.
"Healthy and ready to Raise that Jolly Roger…2024 LOADING. Let's go Bucs," Cruz said in the post.
Pirates infielder/outfielder Ji Hwan Bae liked the post and former Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco commented on it. He said "con dios cama larga" in Spanish with translates to "With God long bed" …according to Google.
There are high expectations for the tall short stop in 2024. His power, speed an arm strength will be a welcome edition to a lineup that missed his bat in 2023.
Pitchers and catchers report in one week to Bradenton with the full squad reporting on Monday, February 19.
The first preseason game is on the road against the Twins on February 24
