Pirates’ latest power-hitting breakout raises an uncomfortable question about Oneil Cruz

Writer Emma Lingan argues that the emergence of power-hitting prospect Tony Blanco Jr. raises questions about whether the Pittsburgh Pirates have learned from developing Oneil Cruz. Both 6-foot-7 players possess elite raw exit velocity alongside persistent swing-and-miss concerns, making Cruz's developmental trajectory a cautionary tale for Blanco.

Blanco hit .253 with 25 home runs in 2026, lowering his strikeout rate to 29.5%. Lingan asserts that because Blanco lacks Cruz's defensive versatility and athleticism, Pittsburgh must prioritize plate discipline and contact skills rather than solely focusing on raw power.