Cruz has been involved with all but one of the Astros' 11 postseason appearances, three as a player (1980, 1981 and 1986); six as a coach (1997–1999, 2001, 2004–2005); and two as special assistant to the general manager (2015 and 2017). As a player in the postseason, he hit .400 in the five-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1980 NLCS. Cruz represented the Astros in the MLB All-Star Game in 1980 in Los Angeles and 1985 in Minnesota. He finished third in NL MVP voting in 1980, sixth in 1983, and eighth in 1984. He won the NL Silver Slugger Award as an outfielder in 1983 and 1984. In 1983, Cruz led the NL in hits with 189.