Pirates rookie Oneil Cruz made MLB history with a scorching 97.8 mph throw from shortstop

Pirates rookie shortstop Oneil Cruz hasn’t even been up with the big-league club for a full month, and he’s already making jaw-dropping plays on a near daily basis.

While Cruz has struggled hitting for average thus far, his potential is undeniable. But it’s his throwing arm that has truly left MLB fans at a loss for words. The 23-year-old has an absolute cannon, and at this rate, the Statcast rankings are just going to be a bunch of Oneil Cruz throws. In his first game of 2022, he threw a 96.7 mph strike from shortstop to first base. And now, he beat that.

On Thursday against the Marlins, he had a throw for the record books.

With Luke Williams at the plate, Cruz fielded a grounder on the move and loaded up for a 97.8 mph throw to first. According to MLB, it was the fastest recorded infield throw in the Statcast era. And let’s not overlook the stretch from first baseman Michael Chavis. Everything about that play was awesome, but the throw … what an arm.

MLB fans could watch Cruz throw a baseball all day.