History of Oneil Cruz in Timeline

Oneil Cruz is a Dominican professional baseball player currently playing center field and shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates in MLB. He debuted in MLB in 2021. Cruz led the National League in stolen bases in 2025. He also won a bronze medal playing for the Dominican Republic at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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Full Timeline

October 4, 1998: Oneil Cruz's Birth

On October 4, 1998, Oneil Cruz was born. He is a Dominican professional baseball player.

Others born on this day/year

2007: Joel Guzmán Played Shortstop

In 2007, Joel Guzmán, who is 6-foot-7-inch (2.01 m) tall, played nine innings as a shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays.

July 2015: Signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers

In July 2015, Oneil Cruz signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an international free agent for a $950,000 signing bonus.

2016: Professional Debut

In 2016, Oneil Cruz made his professional debut with DSL Dodgers 1, batting .294 with 23 runs batted in (RBI) in 55 games.

July 31, 2017: Traded to the Pirates

On July 31, 2017, the Dodgers traded Oneil Cruz and Angel German to the Pirates in exchange for Tony Watson. He was then assigned to the West Virginia Power.

2017: Began Season with Great Lakes Loons

Oneil Cruz began the 2017 season with the Great Lakes Loons.

2018: Played for West Virginia Power

In 2018, Oneil Cruz played for the West Virginia Power, batting .286 with 14 home runs and 56 RBI in 103 games, earning South Atlantic League All-Star honors.

2019: Added to 40-man Roster

After the 2019 season, the Pirates added Oneil Cruz to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

2019: Played Across Three Teams

In 2019, Oneil Cruz began the year with the Bradenton Marauders, fractured his foot, was assigned to the Gulf Coast League Pirates, and was promoted to the Altoona Curve. He hit .298 in 73 games across the three teams.

September 22, 2020: Involved in Deadly Vehicle Crash

On September 22, 2020, Oneil Cruz was involved in a deadly vehicle crash in the Dominican Republic in which three people were killed, while driving under the influence of alcohol. He survived the accident without serious injury.

2020: No Game Played Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, Oneil Cruz did not play in a game due to the cancellation of the Minor League Baseball season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 2, 2021: Promotion to Active Roster

On October 2, 2021, Oneil Cruz was promoted to the active roster for the first time to make his MLB debut in the last games of the season.

2021: MLB Debut

In 2021, Oneil Cruz made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

2021: Minor League Season

In 2021, Oneil Cruz split the minor league season between Altoona and the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, hitting .310/.375/.594 with 17 home runs, 47 RBI, and 19 stolen bases.

August 24, 2022: Hardest-Hit Ball Since Statcast

On August 24, 2022, Oneil Cruz hit the then hardest-hit ball since the advent of Statcast against Atlanta Braves pitcher Kyle Wright, recorded at 122.4 miles per hour (197.0 km/h).

2023: Fractured Fibula

In the first month of the 2023 season, Oneil Cruz fractured his left fibula while sliding into home plate, ruling him out for the entire season after setbacks.

August 2024: Moved to Center Field

In August 2024, manager Derek Shelton announced that Oneil Cruz would be moving to center field for the foreseeable future.

April 2025: First Career Grand Slam

In April 2025, Oneil Cruz hit his first career grand slam against the Washington Nationals in a 6-1 victory.

May 2025: Hardest-Hit Ball in Statcast Era

In May 2025, Oneil Cruz hit the hardest-hit ball in the Statcast Era, at 122.9 miles per hour (197.8 km/h), against Logan Henderson of the Milwaukee Brewers for a home run.

2025: Led National League in Stolen Bases

In 2025, Oneil Cruz led the National League (NL) in stolen bases.

2025: Participated in Home Run Derby

In 2025, Oneil Cruz participated in the Major League Baseball Home Run Derby, advancing through the first round before being knocked out in the semifinals by Cal Raleigh.