Tim Britton of The Athletic has been previewing potential contract extensions throughout the week. It’s common for teams and players to try to finalize long-term deals ahead of the new season. If no agreement is reached, negotiations typically resume in the offseason.
Players like Devin Williams and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are likely to wait until the offseason, as they’ll become free agents and have all 30 teams vying for their services. However, for a select group of young stars, now is the perfect time to secure a massive payday.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz falls into this category, along with other rising talents like Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert, San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. These players could all be eyeing contract extensions this spring.
Reds should run, not walk, if latest Elly De La Cruz contract projection is realistic
No one really knows if the Reds have approached Elly De La Cruz and his representation (Scott Boras) about a potential contract extension, but it would be a major oversight if Nick Krall and the front office haven’t at least considered the possibility.
Tim Britton’s contract projection for De La Cruz (subscription required) would set a franchise record, but if the Reds have any chance of locking down their superstar shortstop, they should present the offer right now.
According to Britton, using Fernando Tatis Jr. and Bobby Witt Jr. as comparisons, De La Cruz could be in line for a 12-year, $330 million extension. This would cover the $50 million De La Cruz is expected to earn through arbitration before he reaches free agency after the 2029 season. The Reds would then buy out the remaining eight free-agent years at a cost of $35 million per year. That’s a hefty deal!
Will Elly De La Cruz sign a contract extension with the Reds or wait for free agency?
Could Elly De La Cruz get a larger sum on the open market? Absolutely! Some analysts even speculate that he could become the first athlete to sign a $1 billion contract. However, that would likely come in the 2029-30 offseason, and the question remains: Can a player who heavily relies on his legs afford to wait another five years for such a deal?
Signing a 12-year contract with the Reds would still allow De La Cruz to re-enter free agency in his mid-30s, and it’s almost certain that any extension would include opt-outs, bonuses, and performance escalators.
This isn’t a small offer—it’s a serious deal that someone like De La Cruz would have to think about carefully. Additionally, if the Reds manage to secure him long-term, it would benefit the franchise in the long run, assuming he stays healthy and continues his upward trajectory.
With Scott Boras as De La Cruz’s agent, this type of contract might seem unlikely, but that shouldn’t stop the Reds from making the attempt. If Cincinnati is committed to building a winning culture and restoring the franchise to prominence, locking up a talent like De La Cruz—despite the cost—would be a vital step.
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