When the Pittsburgh Pirates were in the process of signing Marcell Ozuna to be their designated hitter and approached Ryan O’Hearn about playing more outfield than first base, his response came with a request.
O’Hearn expressed to general manager Ben Cherington that when asked to split time between multiple spots in the past he didn’t always have enough time to get in extra work in the outfield. So, the Pirates played O’Hearn primarily in right field in Grapefruit League games this spring.
“From what we’ve seen in games, he’s made the plays, his reads have been good, he’s comfortable,” Cherington said. “We’re just thrilled to have him as part of the team. Whatever it is, he’s going to get after it in a really positive way. He only cares about the team, so we’re happy he’s here.”
Instead of searching for a new left fielder, the Pirates turned to one familiar with covering the cavernous territory at PNC Park by moving Bryan Reynolds back there. That allowed O’Hearn to play in the opposite corner with Oneil Cruz covering most of the ground in center.
It gives the Pirates a starting outfield with plenty of pop – the trio combined for 53 home runs last season – but one that could have difficulty defensively after accounting for minus-14 defensive runs saved.
They are counting on Cruz to be improved in center, especially after spending time this offseason working with four-time Gold Glove winner Kevin Kiermaier on getting better reads off the bat, quicker jumps and taking better angles.
“Knowing what he was doing in the offseason coming in, having some awareness of the work that he was doing, including on the defensive front, we were excited to see what that was going to look like,” Cherington said, noting that new third base coach Tony Beasley has been helpful in giving Cruz insight during big league camp. “He knows that’s a part of his game that he can excel in. I think he’s gotten a lot of feedback about what it takes to excel in that spot.”
A converted shortstop, Cruz made his share of mental mistakes in center last season but also showed off the ability to chase down fly balls and make impressive throws. Now, he has a better understanding of where and when to show off his elite arm strength.
“Definitely feels a lot better, just because the few games I played a few years ago, then the whole year last year definitely helps to get those games under my belt,” Cruz said. “I think it’s going to put me in a really good spot now because I have a better idea how to react to balls, directions, angles and all that.”
Reynolds made adjustments that involved “conscious changes” at midseason that led to better defensive play in right field and allowed him to go from minus-3 DRS to finish plus-1. The Pirates expect it to continue now that he’s returned to his former spot.
“The adjustment that he made last year gives us confidence to know that he can handle left field,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said.
That Reynolds and O’Hearn were willing to switch positions to give the Pirates a better chance to win made a positive impression on Cherington, who credited them for their unselfishness.
“The response from both B-Rey and Ryan around the time we were signing Ozuna was exactly what we’d hoped,” Cherington said. “Whatever is best for the team is what we’re going to do. That’s been his attitude coming in.”
The Pirates have better depth in the outfield, thanks to a pair of newcomers who arrived by way of offseason trades.
The most likely candidate for the fourth outfield spot is the speedy Jake Mangum, who was part of the return in the three-team trade that also brought two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe and left-handed reliever Mason Montgomery from Tampa Bay with Mike Burrows going to Houston. Mangum takes pride in his defense, can play all three spots and worked this offseason to improve his arm strength.
“He brings a lot of energy,” Kelly said. “We talked about that, grit, that toughness, that we need, he brings it every day. He’s consistent with it. It’s a lot of fun to watch.”
The wild card is Jhostynxon Garcia, acquired from the Boston Red Sox for pitcher Johan Oviedo. The 6-foot, 224-pound Garcia hit a combined 44 home runs the past two seasons and showed both power at the plate and surprising speed in the outfield this spring.
“I think so, because people see me as a big dude, so they won’t think of that,” Garcia said. “If I keep working on my speed and strength, I’ll definitely surprise in the outfield.”