Stiven Cruz

Stiven Josue Cruz Olivas

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 165-205 lb.

• Born November 14, 2001 in Managua, Managua Nicaragua

BR register page

Biographical Information

Stiven Cruz has pitched in the minors.

Cruz was signed by Milwaukee Brewers scout Salvador Ayestas in July 2019. He did not pitch that summer then the 2020 minor league season was wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic. He debuted with the 2021 DSL Brewers and was dominant with a 1.37 ERA and 73 K in 52 2/3 IP though he was only 3-3. He limited opponents to a .168 average. He tied for 4th in the Dominican Summer League in strikeouts, was 5th in ERA (between Jose Cedeno and Jean Cabrera) and was 5th in opponent average.

He split 2022 between the Carolina Mudcats (3-5, 4.60, 89 K, 18 BB in 72 1/3 IP) and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (1-1, 0.47). In '23, he was 7-6 with a save and a 6.90 ERA for Wisconsin as his K rate fell (74 in 90 IP) and his walk rate jumped (54) for a big setback season. Moving primarily to the bullpen, he rebounded somewhat in 2024 (2-3, Sv, 3.43 in 33 G) though his walk/K rate was nowhere near his marks from his first two campaigns. He split time in 2025 between the Timber Rattlers (1-2, 2 Sv, 4.12 in 21 G, 44 K in 43 2/3 IP) and Biloxi Shuckers (2-0, 4.91 in 14 G), making it to AA. That winter, he was 1-0 with a 5.25 ERA for the Tiburones de La Guaira in the Venezuelan League.

Cruz then made the Nicaraguan national team roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.