Elly De La Cruz: Joining Baseball's Elite
At just 22 years old, Elly De La Cruz is swiftly making a name for himself in Major League Baseball. The Cincinnati Reds shortstop recently joined an exclusive club, becoming only the fourth player in MLB history to achieve at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season. This milestone, marked by his 60th stolen base during a game in Toronto, places him among legends like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr.
De La Cruz's feat underscores a remarkable blend of power and speed that has captivated fans and analysts alike. Achieving 21 home runs and 60 stolen bases in the 2024 season, he leads the majors in stolen bases. His breakout season also includes being the youngest member of the prestigious 20-60 club.
Historic Company
Rickey Henderson, the first player to accomplish the 20-60 milestone, did so multiple times throughout his illustrious career. As one of the greatest base stealers in baseball history, Henderson's name is synonymous with speed and agility on the basepaths. Meanwhile, Joe Morgan, another Hall of Famer, redefined the second baseman position during the 1970s with his unique combination of power and speed. The third member, Ronald Acuña Jr., achieved this feat only recently in 2023.
De La Cruz's entry into this elite group is notable not just for his age but also for the context of his achievement. It has been more than three decades since the league saw the 80-steal mark reached, last achieved by Henderson and Vince Coleman in 1988. While De La Cruz is still 20 steals shy of this milestone, his current pace and determination suggest that nothing is out of reach for this young talent.
A Season to Remember
The 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular for De La Cruz. Hitting his 60th stolen base in Toronto, he snapped a streak dating back to August 8th, during which he hadn't successfully stolen a base. This moment not only solidified his place in the record books but also electrified fans and provided a lift to his team's performance.
Achieving membership in the 20-60 club is no small feat, as evidenced by its short roster. Only eight seasons in MLB history feature a player reaching this milestone, with five of those seasons accomplished by Hall of Famers. The statistical rarity of such an achievement places De La Cruz in a league of his own, with future Hall of Fame potential already being a topic of discussion among sports commentators.
The Road Ahead
As the current date is August 21, De La Cruz still has time to add to his stats. Whether he continues to break records or sets new personal bests, the remainder of the season holds much promise. His performance not only impacts his career trajectory but also significantly contributes to the Reds' playoff aspirations.
The majority of players in the 20-60 club have also been MVPs, reinforcing the level of excellence required to achieve such a season. Joe Morgan won the MVP in 1976, Rickey Henderson in 1990, and Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023. If De La Cruz continues on his current path, MVP discussions will undoubtedly include his name.
Elly De La Cruz's impressive statistics and his seamless blend of power and speed make him a standout player to watch. As he continues to evolve and mature, the baseball world eagerly anticipates what he will accomplish next. Whether it's joining another exclusive club, breaking long-standing records, or leading his team to victory, one thing remains clear: Elly De La Cruz is a rising star with the potential to leave an indelible mark on Major League Baseball.