It’s been a growing trend throughout the spring, so most fans probably won’t be shocked. However, during a conversation with Thom Brennaman on Chatterbox Sports, Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona shared that Elly De La Cruz will bat third in the lineup.
“He’s going to hit third,” Francona said. “He wants to hit third, and I like that. I like the idea of McLain hitting ahead of him. I’m really happy with Hays hitting behind him… It works well because you need to protect Elly.”
There’s been plenty of speculation on social media about how Francona would set the lineup for Opening Day, and now it’s clear: TJ Friedl will lead off, followed by Matt McLain, De La Cruz, and Austin Hays. It’s likely that Tyler Stephenson will bat fifth when he’s catching, with a mix of Christian Encarnacion, Gavin Lux, and Jeimer Candelario following in the order.
Reds fans shouldn’t be outraged with Terry Francona’s smart Elly De La Cruz decision
Traditional baseball fans will likely appreciate this move. For years, teams would place their best hitter in the third spot of the lineup. Reds legend and former NL MVP Joey Votto spent most of his career hitting third.
However, a new generation of fans leans toward a more analytical approach, suggesting that the best hitter should lead off to maximize their opportunities at the plate. While that idea has its merits, Francona sees it differently.
By placing De La Cruz between two right-handed hitters, along with likely right-handed hitting Stephenson batting fifth, opposing managers will struggle to neutralize the Reds shortstop without facing repercussions. Although De La Cruz has shown promise from the right side of the plate this spring, his numbers weren’t strong when batting right-handed last season.
Francona also mentioned that during his time in Cleveland, he’d often place the team’s hottest hitter behind Jose Ramirez, who always hit third for the Guardians. So, as the season progresses, don’t be surprised if Francona adjusts the lineup behind De La Cruz, especially if Hays struggles early.
De La Cruz is expected to contend for NL MVP honors this season, and Reds fans should trust Francona, an experienced manager, to make the right call with the best bat in his lineup. Tito’s been here before—this isn’t David Bell we’re talking about.
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