The Cincinnati Reds’ young phenom, Elly De La Cruz, is quickly cementing his place in baseball history with an awe-inspiring combination of power and speed. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz has achieved feats that even the most seasoned veterans might envy.
A Season to Remember
This season, De La Cruz has made a name for himself as the first shortstop to record at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases in a single season. His latest power display came on Saturday in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he smashed his 25th home run of the year. This remarkable achievement places him alongside baseball legends Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson as one of the few players to have swiped 100 bases in their first two seasons.
Perhaps even more impressively, De La Cruz has joined an elite group, becoming just the fifth player in MLB history to tally 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases in a single season. This power/speed combo not only exemplifies his unique blend of athleticism but underscores his significant impact on the field.
Statistical Standout
Offensively, De La Cruz is delivering across the board. He boasts a .260 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and a .471 slugging percentage, numbers that indicate a well-rounded offensive player. His all-around performance is further highlighted by his 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), a stat that evaluates a player's overall contribution to their team’s success. With a WAR ranking that places him fifth in the National League, he stands among the elite, trailing only behind baseball juggernauts Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1).
Team Struggles
Despite De La Cruz’s individual brilliance, the Cincinnati Reds have faced a challenging season. With a record of 75-80, the Reds have been officially eliminated from postseason contention, unable to replicate the form that saw them reach the playoffs in the shortened 2020 season. It has been a decade since the Reds last found success in a full 162-game season, with their last notable performance coming in 2013.
The promise of young talents like De La Cruz offers a beacon of hope for Reds fans looking forward to a brighter future. His breakthrough performances not only provide immediate thrill but also lay down the foundation for what could be an exciting reconstruction phase for the franchise.
Rising Star’s Future
Elly De La Cruz’s impact on the game is undeniable, and as he continues to develop, one can only imagine the heights he can reach. His blend of power, speed, and athleticism makes him one of the most exciting young talents in baseball today. While this season may end without a playoff berth for the Reds, the future looks promising with De La Cruz leading the charge. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how his career unfolds and what additional milestones he will achieve.
For now, it's all about savoring the moment and appreciating the extraordinary talent shining through in Cincinnati. Elly De La Cruz is not just a player to watch—he’s a player redefining what's possible on the diamond.