Oneil Cruz Just Hit a 117 MPH Home Run Off the TOP of the Foul Pole and It's Basically Impossible

Oneil Cruz is doing things in baseball right now that shouldn't be possible. We're talking about a guy who can hit a baseball so hard and at such a perfect angle that it bounces off the literal top of a foul pole for a home run. That's not a typo. A 420+ foot bomb to right field that only clears the fence in about half of MLB ballparks. This is the kind of freak power we're dealing with.

The Complete Turnaround

Last year, Cruz finished with a rough .200 batting average and 20 home runs. This season? Through just 24 games, he's already got 7 home runs, is hitting .283 with a .903 OPS, and has stolen 10 bases, which puts him second in the entire league. He's an Elly De La Cruz clone who plays outfield and bats lead-off for Pittsburgh. The transformation has been stunning.

The Defense Story

Look, Cruz had some rough moments early. He's not exactly a center fielder you trust on routine fly balls. But here's the thing: he's actually cleaned up his defense significantly since those first couple weeks of the season. Between Cruz in center and Bryan Reynolds in left, the Pirates still have some work to do in the gap, but the upward trajectory is real.

Why This Matters Right Now

Cruz might be the most fun player to watch in baseball at this moment. The Pirates, suddenly, are one of the most exciting young teams in the league. That's not hyperbole. When you've got a guy who can hit 117 MPH line drives that ricochet off foul pole tops and steal bases at will, you've got something special cooking in Pittsburgh. This is the kind of talent that changes how you watch the game.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.