Without a doubt, Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is one of the most exciting and dynamic players in Major League Baseball.
De La Cruz is an explosive talent, showcasing incredible power and blazing speed.
At 6’5″ and 200 pounds, he’s tall for a shortstop, but he’s thriving at the position. His range, arm strength, and ability to anticipate plays are exceptional.
An experienced scout was in the Reds’ press box on February 22 when the Reds opened spring training against the Cleveland Guardians. In his first game of the spring, De La Cruz had an incredible performance, hitting two home runs in his only two at-bats.
In the first inning, from the left side of the plate, De La Cruz launched a home run off Guardians right-hander Triston McKenzie. In the fourth inning, he crushed a mammoth home run from the right side, sending the ball out off left-hander Logan Allen.
After the game, De La Cruz told MLB.com, “We’re ready to go. Left side, right side, it always feels good (to homer).”
What a way to kick off spring training—two at-bats, two homers.
About Elly De La Cruz:
Elly De La Cruz’s journey to Major League Baseball began when he signed with the Cincinnati Reds as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic at 16 years old, on July 2, 2018. The Reds gave him a modest $65,000 signing bonus.
By 2022, De La Cruz had already cracked the MLB.com Cincinnati Reds top prospect list, ranking as the team’s No. 3 prospect. MLB.com gave him impressive scouting grades on his major tools:
- Hitting: Grade 55
- Power: Grade 60
- Running: Grade 60
- Arm Strength/Accuracy: Grade 60
- Fielding: Grade 55
- Overall Scouting Grade: Grade 60
A Grade 55 suggests an above-average major league player, while a Grade 60 indicates the potential to make multiple All-Star appearances.
De La Cruz made his major league debut in June 2023 at age 23, playing 98 games. By 2024, true to MLB.com’s projections, he made the National League All-Star team, marking what could be considered his first full season.
From this scout’s perspective, De La Cruz has Grade 70+ power and speed, and is likely a Grade 60+ defender at shortstop. At such a young age, he’s already one of the top players in the league, with All-Star potential every year.
De La Cruz is the type of player who keeps fans in their seats. When he’s up to bat, people don’t leave for the restroom or concessions—they don’t want to miss him. His power can send the ball out of the park with any swing, and once he reaches base, he’s almost guaranteed to steal the next one.
In 2023, De La Cruz slashed .259/.339/.471/.809, with 105 runs, 25 home runs, 76 RBIs, and 67 stolen bases in 83 attempts. There’s still plenty more to come.
De La Cruz is aggressive at the plate, striking out 218 times last season. While some analysts believe an out is an out—whether it’s a strikeout, pop out, ground out, or fly out—contact hitters can create errors, something a strikeout can’t do. De La Cruz’s power and speed could lead him to a 40-home run, 40-steal season in the future.
Elly De La Cruz is a dynamic, explosive player both at the plate and on the bases, and Reds manager Terry Francona is an ideal leader for him. Francona can help De La Cruz maximize his skills, manage his aggression, and keep his game in perspective, guiding him to even greater success.
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