Understand Cincinnati Reds’ star Elly De La Cruz just humiliated Carlos Santana with lightning-fast steal

Cincinnati Reds standout Elly De La Cruz just embarrassed Carlos Santana with a slick move. The Cleveland Guardians’ first baseman believed he had De La Cruz picked off at first, but ended up swiping at thin air.

In the bottom of the seventh inning of Friday’s game against the Guardians, De La Cruz got on base with a four-pitch walk. Known for his speed, the Reds infielder drew plenty of attention from Guardians pitcher Matt Festa and catcher Bo Naylor.

With Austin Hays at the plate, De La Cruz took an aggressive lead off first. Festa delivered a pitch that Hays swung at and missed, but Naylor tried to catch De La Cruz off guard—and paid the price.

 

 

Reds’ star Elly De La Cruz just humiliated Carlos Santana with lightning-fast steal

Get hot, 44. @ellylacocoa18 pic.twitter.com/9DcmBkcflQ

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) May 15, 2025

After receiving the pitch, Naylor fired the ball down the first base line in an attempt to catch De La Cruz off guard, but the Reds’ speedster was already making a break for second. Unfortunately for Santana, he was unaware that De La Cruz had taken off.

 

 

By the time Santana reached to apply a tag at first, De La Cruz was already halfway to second. He slid in safely for his 15th stolen base of the season.

Still, the Reds couldn’t capitalize, as both De La Cruz and Hays were left stranded, and the team missed a chance to extend its 5-3 lead over the Guardians. Nonetheless, Cincinnati held on for a 5-4 win against their in-state rival.

While De La Cruz hasn’t been as aggressive on the basepaths this season as many expected, he still leads the Reds with 15 steals. He remains just two behind MLB leader Luis Robert Jr. and one behind division foe Oneil Cruz. Don’t worry, Reds fans—he’s just getting started.