Elly De La Cruz Shines Despite Cincinnati Reds' Struggles
This season, Cincinnati Reds' star Elly De La Cruz has captivated baseball enthusiasts with a remarkable display of power and speed, etching his name into the sport's storied annals. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz has demonstrated both maturity and raw talent, solidifying his status as a newcomer to watch in Major League Baseball.
Elly De La Cruz has emerged as a charter member of a new power/speed club, a testament to his dual-threat capabilities on the field. Not since the days of Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson has the league witnessed a player who could seamlessly blend slugging prowess with blistering speed. Joining the elite ranks of players who have stolen 100 bases in their first two seasons, De La Cruz’s athleticism is both impressive and rare.
This past Saturday, De La Cruz hit his 25th home run during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, further showcasing his multifaceted talent. This achievement underscores his place in history as the first shortstop to post a season with at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases. Even more notably, he becomes only the fifth player in baseball history to achieve this feat in a single season. De La Cruz’s stats speak volumes: a .260 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and a .471 slugging percentage.
While individual accolades are impressive, De La Cruz’s performance also translates into tangible value for his team. His 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) this year reflects his pivotal role in the Reds' lineup, ranking fifth in the National League. Only a few players have outperformed him in this regard, including Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1). This WAR ranking, particularly for such a young player, highlights De La Cruz’s potential to be a transformative player for the Reds and beyond.
Despite De La Cruz's stellar season, the Cincinnati Reds have struggled to replicate the success of their shortened 2020 playoff run. With a current season record of 75-80, the Reds have been eliminated from postseason contention. This marks a continuation of their playoff woes, as they have not found similar success in a full 162-game season since 2013. The last time the team graced the postseason was during the abbreviated 2020 season, and fans are eagerly waiting for a return to form.
Elly De La Cruz’s achievements this season provide a glimmer of hope for the Cincinnati Reds’ future. Although the team’s overall performance has been underwhelming, De La Cruz’s emergence as a dynamic player offers a foundation on which the Reds can build. His youth, coupled with his already impressive skill set, promises a bright future if complemented by strong team development and acquisitions.
As the Reds look ahead to the coming seasons, Elly De La Cruz stands out as a beacon of potential. His combination of power and speed is a rarity, and his individual accomplishments this season have set a new standard. For the Reds, cultivating and harnessing his talent will be crucial in returning to their past glories and making a consistent impact in future seasons.
In a year marked by both triumph and tribulation, Elly De La Cruz has, without a doubt, established himself as a player to watch. His historic achievements serve as a reminder of the potential nestled within the Reds' organization, even as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding and competing at the highest levels. The journey ahead for Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds may be fraught with challenges, but the promise of excellence remains undeniably strong.