It’s tough for Reds fans to simply enjoy the present, isn’t it? Despite Cincinnati having two of the best young middle infielders in the game—Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain—locked up through 2029, many fans are already worrying about when they’ll leave for free agency. Admittedly, there’s some reason for that concern.
Small-market teams like the Reds, who often claim financial limitations, rarely hold on to elite talent for the long haul. The Guardians lucked out with a team-friendly deal for José Ramírez, and Bobby Witt Jr.’s contract with the Royals is looking like a steal.
With MLB contracts reaching eye-popping numbers—Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have all landed deals north of $500 million—it’s easy for small-market fans to feel discouraged. The big question is: will Reds fans get to see De La Cruz and/or McLain stay in Cincinnati beyond their arbitration years?
Reds legend Barry Larkin offers hope to fans questioning Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain’s future
Barry Larkin seems to think it’s possible—maybe. During Tuesday’s Reds-Mariners broadcast, the camera cut to Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain sitting together in the dugout. Larkin, who serves as a TV analyst for the Reds on FanDuel Sports Network, commented, “That duo—offensively and defensively—is going to be special for this city and its fans. Hopefully for a long time.”
McLain gets on, Elly drives him in… feels good saying that again!@mattmclain_ x @ellylacocoa18 pic.twitter.com/T2GLVtQxAx
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) March 29, 2025
Some fans might shrug off Larkin’s words as little more than hopeful optimism. And maybe that’s true. But others may hear what he said and start to wonder—could this actually happen? After all, who thought the Bengals would find a way to keep both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins?
This might just be one of those speculative “reading between the lines” moments. Then again, Larkin could be hinting at something more. As the Reds’ senior advisor for business and baseball operations, he’s certainly more connected than most.
While he wouldn’t be the one footing the bill for long-term deals, the Hall of Fame shortstop has influence within the organization—and he’s likely pushing ownership to keep both De La Cruz and McLain in Cincinnati for years to come.
McLain, for his part, brushed off any extension talks this past offseason. Though the front office did reach out, McLain—coming off a season-ending injury—opted to bet on himself instead, hoping to raise his value. While fans may have been disappointed by his decision, there’s still a real possibility that the Reds and the 25-year-old can reach an agreement in the future.
De La Cruz’s situation is more complex. A long-term contract for him would require a major financial commitment from Reds owner Bob Castellini.
However, the business side of baseball could shift dramatically in the coming years. A potential labor dispute in 2026 might reshape how contracts are negotiated altogether. Whether that ends up helping or hurting the Reds’ chances remains to be seen.
In the meantime, Reds fans should soak in the excitement. With De La Cruz and McLain leading the charge, there’s hope that this team can deliver winning seasons, playoff appearances, and maybe even a World Series title.
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