Pirates’ Oneil Cruz Embarrasses Himself With Two Of Worst Plays You’ll Ever See

Baseball is a magical game … until it’s not.

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz led off the 2026 campaign for his team, doing what was expected from a key player on the roster. Cruz scratched and clawed while down in the count, knocked a bloop toward right center field and laid the foundation for what the game was supposed to be. This is exactly what the Buccos have been working on over the offseason.

Fast forward two batters, and the Pirates were holding a 2-0 advantage courtesy of a home run from second baseman Brandon Lowe. It was shaping up to be one hell of a day for Cruz and Pittsburgh.

But you know how baseball is. (RELATED: ‘Hamilton’s’ Christopher Jackson Flubs Up National Anthem Prior To New York Mets’ Opening Day)

The sequence of events started with New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty, who popped a deep line drive and sent Cruz into a state of confusion. It’s almost like he had no idea where the ball was as it ultimately flew over his head. This resulted in three runs scored for the Metropolitans, and the Pirates‘ hopium completely destroyed.

But wait, there’s more!

Mets second baseman Marcus Semien hit a pop-up that should’ve been a routine play, but again, Cruz appeared to be confused. And the sun didn’t do him any favors either from the looks of it.

It was pure disaster for Oneil Cruz.

WATCH:

Oneil Cruz with two of the worst center field plays you’ll see in a big league game

…in the first inning of the first game of the year pic.twitter.com/kaBWNd58a3

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) March 26, 2026

And don’t even get me going on his starting pitcher Paul Skenes … Lord have mercy.