Oneil Cruz, the tall and quick shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates, keeps making fans and baseball experts look his way. He is shining in Major League Baseball thanks to his rare skills and also for his uncommon 6-foot-7 height.
People see him as a key player for the team. As he plays more and keeps getting better, his money and worth keep going up like bubbles.
A still modest salary for a future star
In 2025, Cruz makes $785,000 for the year with the Pirates, data from Spotrac shows. He is still in the early stage of his career where the team is the one that sets the pay, not the player. If he keeps on performing the way he is doing now, he will be the one that chooses his figures in the future contracts.
His pay has slowly gone up over time:
- 2021 (rookie season): $6,134
- 2022: $411,522
- 2023: $720,000
- 2024: $755,000
- 2025: $785,000
Even though this pay is still small compared to other big MLB stars, Cruz will likely start salary talks in the next few years. This could really raise his worth, more so if he keeps performing at this level well when he plays.
Around $2.1 million net worth
SalarySport states that Cruz is worth about $2.1 million now. This value is mostly from what he has achieved since he started playing with the Pirates in 2021. He might get more money from ads soon, as he is getting more known in the baseball and athletes world.
Developing generational talent
Cruz is not like most others who play shortstop. His height, speed, and strength make him stand out like no other. He got a lot of talk for a quick 97.8 mph throw from shortstop to first base, being one of the fastest infield throws ever recorded.
Not only his defense is remarkable, as his offensive side is just as impressive. He also hits home runs well and can steal bases regularly. Many think he could become an All-Star anytime soon, bit he has also suffered some injuries, like the fractured left fibula in 2023 that slowed him down.
As he gets better and plays more, there is no doubt that he will earn and be offered a lot more.
What is next for Cruz
As said before, if Cruz keeps playing great, his pay could jump high soon through salary negotiations. Then, when he can choose any team, his value could go even higher.
For now, as a young and exciting player, Cruz gives the Pirates a lot for a small pay he receives.
Oneil Cruz is set not just to be a big part of how Pittsburgh builds their team but also to be one of the most successful players of his time, if he can keep healthy and keep climbing up.
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