Oneil Cruz's career highlights

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2021: Loud debut

About 2 hours into his career, Cruz announced himself with a 118.2 mph single

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2022: Moonshot

Want to generate hype? Just homer off a building in Spring Training

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What a laser! 💪

In his 2022 season debut, Cruz threw a ball 96.7 mph -- the 3rd-hardest by an infielder since '15

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He did it again!

A few weeks later, a Cruz throw clocked in at 97.8 mph -- the fastest infield assist in the Statcast era (since 2015)

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Not intimidated

Sandy Alcantara was the first of 3 Cy winners Cruz homered off of in 2022

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Throw hard, hit hard

With his throws already all over the leaderboards, Cruz went and hit a 122.4 mph 1B -- the hardest hit in the Statcast era

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Splashin' around

It was only a matter of time until Cruz sent a homer right into the Allegheny River

A special gift

Cruz was named after Yankees star Paul O'Neill, so a signed jersey from his namesake was a big moment

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Terrible luck

During a close game in April, Cruz fractured his ankle sliding home -- an expected recovery time of 4 months

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Rare company

Looking for a bounce-back 2024, Cruz becomes the 5th Pirate to homer on consecutive Opening Days