WATCH: Phillies trade target Oneil Cruz scores from first on a single

The MLB Trade Deadline is set for Thursday and in case you were wondering, the Philadelphia Phillies will almost certainly be buyers, with eyes set on right-handed power in the outfield and one or two reliable bullpen arms.

That being said, one name that The Fightins have been linked to is Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz, and our guy just had himself a weekend on the other side of Pennsylvania.

In Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, Cruz scored from first base on a routine single to left-center.

Tommy Pham dropped one into the gap, and Cruz turned on the jets and never stopped running. It was the kind of play that reminds you of the potential that Cruz holds for the Phillies, showing the kind of electricity this lineup could use heading down the stretch.

WATCH: Phillies trade target flashes insane speed

Oneil Cruz scored from first on a single 🔥

(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/r5QJpD22Pr

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 27, 2025

While there are a handful of outfielders that the Phillies have been linked to, Oneil Cruz is only 26 years old and under club control through 2028, making him a very intriguing name to watch before the deadline.

This year, he’s slashing .217/.318/.417 with 17 home runs, 44 RBIs, and an MLB-leading 34 stolen bases. I am well aware that a .750 OPS doesn’t jump off the page, but the tools are undeniable. Cruz holds elite exit velocity, power potential, and standout speed.

Over his last 20 games, Oneil Cruz is hitting .265 with 18 hits, 4 home runs, 11 RBIs, and 9 runs scored. He’s been flashing both power and production at the plate, showing signs that he’s starting to find a rhythm.

That recent surge only strengthens the case that a change of scenery, especially to a playoff-hunting team like the Phillies, could unlock the next level of his game.

Oneil Cruz might the kind of spark the Phillies offense needs…

Although Cruz hasn’t yet fully tapped into his potential at the plate, his combination of home‑run ability and game‑changing speed offers the kind of offensive jolt Philadelphia desperately needs.

Outside of Trea Turner, the Phillies lack a truly elite base‑runner or stolen‑base threat.

Read More: Yankees avoid the sweep, Phillies come up short despite trio of solo shots

Oneil Cruz will check a lot of boxes for the Phillies on both sides of the ball. His power looms as a threat in the middle of the lineup, while his legs can create runs in ways this roster currently can’t replicate outside of Trea Turner and the occasional Bryson Stott.

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