Elly De La Cruz: A Season to Remember
Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz has emerged as one of the most electrifying young talents in baseball, combining power and speed in a way that hasn't been seen in years. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz has carved out a special place in MLB history with a season that showcases his prodigious talent and explosive athleticism.
This year, De La Cruz has become the first shortstop ever to hit at least 25 home runs and steal 65 bases in a single season, solidifying his status as a dual-threat on the diamond. Only four other players in baseball history share the distinction of achieving such impressive numbers within a single season. His most recent milestone came on Saturday during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he launched his 25th home run of the year, providing a fitting capstone to his remarkable campaign.
De La Cruz’s ability on the basepaths has drawn comparisons to legendary speedsters Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson, becoming one of the few players to steal 100 bases in their first two seasons. This level of speed, coupled with his power-hitting prowess, has introduced fans to a rare blend of old-school baserunning and modern power-hitting.
Beyond his home runs and stolen bases, De La Cruz’s all-around performance has been exceptional. With a .260 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and a .471 slugging percentage, he has proven to be more than just a flash in the pan. His comprehensive skill set has earned him 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) this season, a figure that ranks him fifth in the National League. Notable players ahead of him include Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1), underscoring the elite company he keeps.
However, despite De La Cruz's standout season, the Cincinnati Reds have struggled to replicate his individual success as a team. With a record of 75-80, the Reds have been eliminated from postseason contention, continuing a drought that has plagued them since their last playoff appearance in the shortened 2020 season. Moreover, the Reds have not matched the success of the 2020 season in a full 162-game slate since 2013. This season’s struggles highlight the contrast between De La Cruz’s personal accolades and the team’s overall performance.
As the Reds look ahead to future seasons, they will undoubtedly view De La Cruz as a cornerstone around which they can build. His rare combination of speed, power, and youth positions him as a key player in the franchise's efforts to return to postseason glory. The challenge for the Reds' management will be to surround him with the talent necessary to be competitive in a challenging National League Central division.
In a world where young stars often take time to adjust to the rigors of Major League Baseball, Elly De La Cruz has defied expectations and delivered a season that won't soon be forgotten. His ability to make history at such a young age speaks volumes about his potential and the excitement he brings to the game. As his career progresses, the baseball world will be watching to see what this young star achieves next.
Undoubtedly, this season has solidified his status as one of baseball’s most exciting talents. Whether he is smashing home runs, stealing bases, or making sparkling plays at shortstop, Elly De La Cruz’s impact on the field is undeniable. With a bright future ahead, Reds fans can look forward to many more memorable moments from their dynamic shortstop.