The MLB trade deadline clock is ticking. And so is the Philadelphia Pirates’ chance to decide. With the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies showing significant interest in the Phillies’ star, what is the front office going to do? Well, let’s take a look, while you decide how much of it is true and how much of it is smoke.

For the unversed: We’re talking about Oneil Cruz, who participated in the Home Run Derby during All-Star Week. As per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette earlier this week, the Pirates reportedly received “many calls” on Cruz, who is set to be arbitration eligible starting next season, along with three years of remaining club control after 2025. It’s understandable why teams might be interested, though. The 26-year-old, without a doubt, has been the team’s superstar with 16 home runs and .724 OPS. What’s more?

This season, he has also been slashing .219/.319/.419, with 33 stolen bases in 37 attempts. In his rookie year, too, Cruz turned heads when he hit a staggering 17 home runs in 87 games. Meaning? Teams are going to take every chance they get to sweep him off his feet. Apart from his skills, Cruz’s contractual status makes him even more valuable. He is earning just $785,000 at the moment and the team that acquires him would also control him through the 2028 season. But will the Pirates happily let go of a talent like this?

As per MLB insider and New York Post’ Jon Heyman on X on July 24, “Yanks have talked to Pirates about Oneil Cruz (and some others). Price is said ‘steep,’ but that’s no surprise.” Another insider Andrew Fillipponi also reported the Phillies’ aggressive push: “Source: The Phillies are one of the teams that’s trying to trade for Pirates CF Oneil Cruz. Philly has gotten terrible play in CF this year. And they are interested in seeing what Cruz could do in a lineup with Harper Schwarber and Turner. Good veteran influences. Stay tuned.” However, this is where it gets interesting.

Hours before Heyman’s report, MLB Network insider Mark Feinsand reported, “Some teams have reached out to Pittsburgh about Oneil Cruz, but a source said that while the Pirates will listen, they’re not prioritizing such a move. The source called a Cruz deal “unlikely.” Sounds like Pittsburgh would have to be absolutely bowled over by an offer.”

The Pirates’ most obvious weakness is their inability to score. They currently rank 30th in Major League Baseball in runs scored, with a total of 350 runs and an average of 3.4 runs per game. And, Cruz is the only valuable offensive power they have right now, with an fWAR greater than 1.1. Trading him would dig a big hole in an already struggling lineup.

So, the battle lines are taking shape. But why is this deal so appealing?

So, it’s a classic small-market conundrum: trade your star for a massive haul or risk losing him later for less.

Assessing the Suitors: Yankees and Phillies

Let’s talk about the suitors. The Phillies are in clear need of Cruz. The outfield has been the team’s Achilles’ heel throughout the season. Cruz would step right in and play center field. This move would allow Brandon Marsh to shift to a corner spot, improving their outfield defense at two positions simultaneously.

The New York Yankees see this differently, though. Their interest appears to be more of a strategic luxury. Third base and the bullpen are still the team’s two biggest needs. Their current outfield, with Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham, is already strong. Plugging in Cruz would create a roster logjam. But hey, can Cruz play shortstop?

Well, he has a history at shortstop. But his numbers there aren’t great. He made a stunning 24 errors in 2024 alone. That’s why the Pirates shifted him to center field.

The Yankees’ shortstop situation at the moment is interesting. Their established shortstop, Anthony Volpe, has had a tumultuous season. He is batting just .214 and is tied for a league-high 13 errors. You can assume the Yankees consider Cruz a potential replacement. However, that is highly unlikely. Drafting a player to correct a problem at a position where he himself couldn’t succeed won’t be a wise strategy.

Apart from the Yankees and the Phillies though, the New York Mets also have an obvious hole in center field. However, they have a good farm system to fall back to.

Well, a dark horse may emerge in the race later, but the focus for now remains on the Phillies and the Yankees.