During the 2025 All-Star break, Pirates' Oneil Cruz stunned the MLB world with a monstrous 513-foot home run, a viral blast for the ages. Read more!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Pittsburgh Pirates may be on their All-Star break, but Oneil Cruz clearly didn't get the memo about taking time off. On a day with no official game on the schedule, the towering shortstop delivered a power display for the ages, launching a jaw-dropping 513-foot home run that instantly became the talk of the baseball world. The blast, accompanied by another 498-foot shot, sent social media into a frenzy and served as a thunderous reminder of the elite, game-changing talent residing in Pittsburgh.
513 feet. The distance Oneil Cruz launched a baseball, a historic shot that ranks among the longest in MLB history.
While the rest of the team recuperates, Oneil Cruz put on a show. His 513-foot homer wasn't just long; it was a statement. The ball rocketed off his bat, a testament to the raw, unteachable power that makes him one of the most exciting players to watch. This wasn't just a highlight for Pirates fans; it was a national news story, a viral moment that showcased the kind of superstar potential the Bucs have at shortstop. Paired with a second homer that nearly cleared 500 feet, Cruz's performance was a one-man wrecking crew of baseballs.
Cruz's heroics provide a welcome distraction from the team's current standings. The Pirates entered the break in 5th place in the NL Central with a 39-58 record. While they capped the first half on a high note with a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins, the reality is that it's been a challenging season. The break offers a much-needed reset before they kick off the second half on July 18 against the Chicago White Sox, hoping to build some momentum.
As Cruz showcased the power currently in the majors, the front office was busy acquiring the power of the future. The Pirates officially wrapped their 2025 MLB Draft on Monday, selecting 21 new players. The headliner is Jared Jones, a mammoth 6-foot-4 first baseman from LSU who clubbed 64 home runs in his collegiate career. Alongside shortstop Matt King from Arizona State, the draft class reflects GM Ben Cherington's philosophy of targeting the best available talent to continue stocking a system in need of impact players.
The theme of patience extends to the farm system. While fans are eager for reinforcements, the organization is letting its top talent develop, with no Top 30 prospects graduating to the majors yet in 2025. All eyes remain on top prospect Konnor Griffin, whose athleticism and versatility continue to impress in the minors. The focus is clear: build a sustainable winner from the ground up by developing team offense and pitching depth. Griffin's progress is a key barometer for the health of the entire rebuild.
The All-Star break offers a moment to breathe and take stock. In Oneil Cruz, the Pirates have a spectacle, a player capable of generating national buzz with a single swing. In the draft class and prospects like Konnor Griffin, they have the promise of a brighter future. Now, the challenge is bridging that gap. As the team prepares to face the White Sox on July 18, fans are left to wonder which will define the second half: the flashes of historic power or the long, patient road of a rebuild.
