Paul Skenes on Oneil Cruz’s Power: “Thank God, It Went Into the River”

Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes, known for his blistering fastball, recently offered a candid and surprisingly humorous take on the sheer power of his teammate, Oneil Cruz. In an interview that has quickly made waves across MLB, Skenes openly expressed a genuine concern for fan safety when the Dominican slugger steps up to the plate, highlighting Cruz’s ability to hit baseballs with unprecedented velocity.

Oneil Cruz: A Force of Nature at the Plate

Skenes recounted a specific instance where Cruz launched a ball at an astonishing 123 mph. “Good thing it went to the river,” Skenes quipped, a testament to the ball’s trajectory and the potential danger it posed to anyone in its path. This remarkable exit velocity stands out even when compared to the league’s elite, including two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who Skenes noted typically hits balls around 118 mph.

“Cruz is something else, his numbers are on another level, it’s dangerous,” Skenes emphasized, underscoring the unique threat Cruz presents. His comments paint a vivid picture of a player whose power transcends the ordinary, making every at-bat a must-watch event.

A Pitcher’s Admiration (and Fear)

Despite being a formidable pitcher himself, Skenes admitted to a personal preference when it comes to Cruz’s hitting. “As long as I don’t get Cruz’s hits coming my way in the middle of the game, that’s a win for me,” he joked, revealing the respect and slight apprehension even a top-tier pitcher holds for Cruz’s raw strength. This sentiment resonates with many pitchers across the league, who recognize the Dominican’s unique blend of power and technique.

Skenes further elaborated on the inevitability of Cruz’s hardest-hit balls: “When Cruz hits and does it like that, there’s a 100% chance that nobody’s going to stop that shot, it’s a safe run.” This speaks volumes about Cruz’s ability to turn virtually any contact into a scoring opportunity, a trait that makes him one of the most exciting and feared hitters in baseball.

Oneil Cruz: A Unique MLB Prototype

Oneil Cruz continues to redefine what’s possible in baseball. His performances consistently demonstrate that traditional barriers can be overcome, earning him widespread respect from both teammates and opponents. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and explosive power makes him a singular talent in MLB.

Every time Cruz steps to the plate, an palpable buzz fills the stadium. Fans are on the edge of their seats, anticipating a moment of brilliance, while opposing teams brace for impact. His ability to generate such excitement and apprehension simultaneously solidifies his status as a truly special player in the modern game. For more insights into the incredible power hitters of Major League Baseball, you can explore the official MLB website.

Potential Blockbuster Matchups on the Horizon

The discussion around elite talent naturally leads to dream matchups. The prospect of a Shohei Ohtani vs. Paul Skenes duel is tantalizing, though such a clash remains dependent on managerial decisions, particularly from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

While fans eagerly await such high-profile encounters, the immediate focus remains on players like Oneil Cruz, whose extraordinary abilities continue to captivate and, in Skenes’s case, even slightly terrify, those who witness them firsthand.