In a season marked by both power and speed, Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz has firmly established himself as one of baseball's brightest young talents. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz has become the charter member of a new power/speed club, joining the ranks of legends like Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson as one of the few players to steal 100 bases in their first two seasons.
A Season of Milestones
On a memorable Saturday game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, De La Cruz hit his 25th home run of the season, further solidifying his place in the history books. He is the first shortstop ever to post a season with at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases, a remarkable dual threat that puts him among the game's elite.
Not only is he the first at his position to reach these figures, but he also becomes just the fifth player in Major League Baseball history to achieve this feat in a single season. His .260 batting average, .343 on-base percentage, and .471 slugging percentage underscore a well-rounded approach at the plate that complements his exceptional baserunning skills.
High Impact, High Value
De La Cruz's performance has not only been impressive statistically, but it has also been immensely valuable to his team. His 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) ranks him fifth in the National League, a testament to his all-around contribution on both offense and defense. The only players with a higher WAR this season are Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1).
Despite these personal achievements, the Cincinnati Reds have faced challenges this season. With a record of 75-80, they have been eliminated from postseason contention. The team’s last playoff appearance was during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Unfortunately, they have not been able to replicate that success in a full 162-game season since 2013.
Future Looks Bright
While the Reds may not be playoff-bound this year, the presence of a dynamic player like Elly De La Cruz offers hope and excitement for the future. His ability to change the game with both his bat and his legs electrifies the fanbase and gives the organization a cornerstone to build around.
As the Reds look ahead to the upcoming seasons, the development and sustained excellence of De La Cruz will be pivotal. He's already demonstrated the potential to join the greatest players in the sport, and with continued growth, he could very well lead Cincinnati back to postseason glory.
For now, Reds fans can relish in the remarkable accomplishments of their young star. Elly De La Cruz has proven that he is not just a burgeoning talent but a formidable force ready to etch his name among baseball's elite.