Elly De La Cruz: A New Luminary in Baseball’s Power/Speed Elite
In an impressive breakout season, Cincinnati Reds’ stellar shortstop Elly De La Cruz has announced himself as a formidable force in Major League Baseball. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz's combination of power and speed has etched his name alongside baseball legends and into the annals of the sport's history.
This season, De La Cruz has become the charter member of a new power/speed club, showcasing an exceptional blend of capabilities on both sides of the plate and on the base paths. On a brisk Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he hit his 25th home run of the season, a milestone that set the stage for his unique dual-threat capabilities.
His prowess doesn't end at home plate. De La Cruz has also become one of the few players to record 100 stolen bases in his first two seasons, joining the ranks of speedsters like Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson. He is the first shortstop in the history of the game to record a season with at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases, an achievement that cements his place in baseball history.
As only the fifth player ever to hit 25 home runs and steal 65 bases in a single season, De La Cruz's remarkable versatility is underscored by his impressive stats: a .260 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and a .471 slugging percentage. These figures together illustrate his comprehensive skill set, contributing to a 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) this year, ranking him fifth in the National League.
The only players with a higher WAR this season have been MVP-caliber talents: Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1). This company not only highlights De La Cruz’s extraordinary impact on the game but also positions him as a rising star destined for continued greatness.
However, despite De La Cruz's stellar individual performance, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves in a challenging position. With a team record of 75-80, the Reds have been eliminated from postseason contention. Fans looking for a return to playoff baseball will have to wait at least another year, as the franchise has not reached the playoffs in a full 162-game season since 2013. Their last postseason appearance came during the shortened 2020 season, a rendition of success they have struggled to replicate in a regular calendar year.
While the Reds’ season may not have ended in a playoff berth, the emergence of Elly De La Cruz offers a bright spot and a promising future. His knack for delivering in the clutch, combined with his ability to significantly influence the game across multiple dimensions, makes him a cornerstone for the franchise moving forward.
The Reds and their fans can look ahead with optimism, knowing that their young star is just beginning to tap into his potential. If this season is any indicator, Elly De La Cruz is set to be a key figure in the resurgence of Cincinnati baseball, providing the excitement and dynamism that makes him one of the most watchable players in the sport today.
As the Reds prepare for the next season, building around De La Cruz's exceptional talent will be pivotal. Untapped possibilities loom large, and with a player of his caliber leading the way, the future certainly looks promising for the Cincinnati Reds.