Elly De La Cruz: A Star in the Making
The Cincinnati Reds may have faced another tough season, but the emergence of Elly De La Cruz has given fans a reason to celebrate. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz has delivered a breakout year, exhibiting both significant power and notable speed, a combination that cements his place as one of the most electrifying young talents in Major League Baseball.
This season, De La Cruz carved out a unique spot in baseball history by becoming the first shortstop to achieve at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases in a single season. This achievement also places him among an elite group of players—only the fifth in history—to reach that milestone in any position, demonstrating his exceptional versatility and athleticism.
De La Cruz not only stands out among current players but also joins the ranks of legendary base stealers Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson, being one of the few players to swipe 100 bases in their first two seasons. His speed on the bases has been complemented by his power at the plate, as evidenced by his milestone 25th home run, hit against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.
In addition to his power and speed, De La Cruz has shown a well-rounded offensive game. He maintains a solid .260 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and a .471 slugging percentage, figures that underscore his ability to get on base and hit for power.
A Rising Star in the National League
De La Cruz's season has been impressive not just by historical standards but also in the context of the 2023 National League. With a 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), he ranks fifth in the league, which is notable considering the stiff competition. The only players boasting a higher WAR this season are Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1).
His contributions have been pivotal for the Reds, even as the team has struggled to find consistency. With a current record of 75-80, Cincinnati has been eliminated from postseason contention, continuing a frustrating trend of falling short since their last playoff appearance during the shortened 2020 season. The Reds have not managed to replicate the success of that year—or their previous peak in a full 162-game season—since their 2013 campaign.
Looking Ahead
While the Reds' playoff hopes have been dashed, the emergence of Elly De La Cruz offers a beacon of hope for the future. His unique blend of power, speed, and overall skill set provides a solid foundation for Cincinnati to build around. As the Reds look to the upcoming seasons, the development and sustained performance of De La Cruz will undoubtedly be central to their strategies and aspirations.
In a landscape filled with young talents vying for recognition, De La Cruz's achievements this season have placed him firmly on the radar as one of the most promising players in the league. His journey is just beginning, and baseball fans will surely be watching closely as he continues to grow and leave his mark on the game.
For now, Cincinnati fans can take solace in knowing that amidst the challenges of the season, they have witnessed the rise of a potentially generational talent who has already begun rewriting the record books at such a young age.