“Look at Aaron Judge” Sean Casey lashes out at Elly De La Cruz for lack of athleticism

After an impressive 2024 season, Elly De La Cruz enters the new year focused on elevating his game while helping the Cincinnati Reds push for a playoff spot and a World Series title. Known for his electrifying skills, De La Cruz has received plenty of praise, but not everyone is sold on his approach.

Former Yankees interim manager Sean Casey recently criticized the young shortstop, taking issue with his techniques. While Casey’s exact concerns weren’t detailed, his comments suggest that De La Cruz still has areas to refine as he looks to take the next step in his career.

Sean Casey suggests Elly De La Cruz to follow Aaron Judge’s hitting technique

On a recent episode of The Mayor’s Office podcast, former Yankees interim manager Sean Casey criticized Elly De La Cruz for not fully utilizing his athleticism at the plate. Casey urged the young Reds shortstop to study the approach of Yankees captain Aaron Judge, particularly his success hitting pitches middle-away.

“You’re 6’5″, 6’7″—you’ve got to get your arms extended. You’re not using your height, your length, or your athleticism,” Casey said. “Go look at Aaron Judge’s heat map—he does so much damage middle-away.”

Casey also drew a comparison to boxing legend Mike Tyson, emphasizing the importance of making solid contact. He explained that just as a boxer generates more power by striking from close range, a hitter must focus on making compact, explosive contact rather than fully extending too early.

“When a boxer throws a punch fully extended and catches you on the chin, it rattles you, but it doesn’t knock you out,” Casey said.

“But if I can get you close, like Tyson used to get in on guys, and I make contact, then go through you—I’m gonna knock you out. It’s the same thing with baseball. You’ve got to be able to get the ball on you and then get through it.”

As De La Cruz continues to develop, Casey’s advice highlights areas where he can refine his mechanics to maximize his power and consistency at the plate.