Pirates' Oneil Cruz poised for breakout second half with strong home run potential

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz is identified as a potential second-half fantasy baseball breakout candidate, despite a .192/.296/.356 slash line and nearly 35% strikeout rate since May 1st. He has already accumulated 16 home runs and 29 stolen bases this season. Cruz displayed his immense power in the MLB Home Run Derby, launching a 513-foot home run and demonstrating the best exit velocity in baseball (96.3 mph) and a high barrel percentage. His underlying metrics, including a 21.4% barrel rate and a 104 Process+ score since May 12th, suggest he is due for improved performance, especially given he has hit 15 of his 16 home runs against right-handed pitchers and will face Jonathan Cannon, who has struggled against lefties. If he can raise his batting average closer to .240 while maintaining his current power and speed, he is expected to become a significant fantasy asset.