Since bursting onto the Major League scene in 2023, Elly De La Cruz has carried a weight of expectations that few players could ever imagine. And yet, time and again, the young Cincinnati Reds shortstop has shown that he thrives under the spotlight.
When De La Cruz made his debut in June 2023, it wasn’t just a debut—it was a statement. His first career home run nearly cleared the fences at Great American Ballpark, leaving fans and analysts alike in awe. Within a mere two weeks, he had accomplished something almost mythical in baseball: hitting for the cycle while also stealing three bases on only two pitches. It was a glimpse of a talent that seemed almost unfairly advanced for someone so young, a hint that he could redefine what it means to be a five-tool player.
The following year only reinforced the hype. In 2024, De La Cruz put up 25 home runs and led the National League in stolen bases, proving that his skills weren’t a flash in the pan—they were the real deal. Last season, he began with a career-high batting average and already had 18 home runs before the All-Star break. Yet with all the excitement comes pressure, and the Reds’ manager Terry Francona understands the challenge of keeping a young star grounded while nurturing his incredible abilities.
“He’s always going to have to battle the expectations because there’s nothing he can’t do on the field,” Francona told FOX19’s Charlie Goldsmith. “What we’re trying to get him to do from Day One is be as consistent as he can and let your tools affect the game to help us win.”
The Evolution of His Swing
De La Cruz’s growth isn’t just about raw talent—it’s also about adjustments and technique. Last season, he worked closely with hitting coach Chris Valaika on a toe-tap in his swing. This tweak helped him track pitches better than ever and achieve a career-high batting average, but it also came at a cost: his power numbers dipped dramatically after July. Even more remarkable, De La Cruz was dealing with a quad strain in the season’s final months. Yet when he returned to the leg-kick that propelled him to the Majors, the results were electric: a .939 OPS from September 15 through the season’s end. It’s a testament to a player who isn’t just talented, but also fiercely adaptable.
Defensive Firepower and Growing Pains
While his bat grabs the headlines, De La Cruz’s defense remains a work in progress. Though he makes jaw-dropping plays that look effortless, routine throws and fundamental plays have been his Achilles’ heel. In his first two full seasons at shortstop, he led the league in errors. Francona puts it in perspective:
“He’s so long-levered. Some throws aren’t as easy compared to a compact player, but he also reaches balls that no one else can. With health, it’s only going to help him.”
The Reds have made it clear that De La Cruz is their shortstop of the present and the future. While Matt McLain could theoretically slide over, that would disrupt the infield’s balance. Players like Spencer Steer, Sal Stewart, and Eugenio Suarez provide versatility across multiple positions, but no one comes close to matching De La Cruz’s combination of athleticism and arm strength. His teammate Benavides notes, “His arm has become shorter and more accurate. Being quicker with his feet puts him in a better position to throw. You just let him use his athleticism—there’s no one else like him.”
Playing Through Pain
In 2025, De La Cruz battled through a quad injury that impacted more than just his swing—it affected his base running. After leading the league with 67 stolen bases in 2024, he still managed 40 stolen bases last season despite the injury. Base running coach Collin Cowgill described the process:
“We’d check in during games: ‘Do you think you can get this pitcher?’ And he’d say, ‘Yeah, I got him.’ Then we’d turn him loose. Now, with a fully healthy Elly and all the experience he’s gained, he’s going to be a nightmare for pitchers. If he perfects his technique, there’s no stopping him.”
The Future of the Reds’ Infield
While the Reds have defensive prospects like Edwin Arroyo, the young infielder’s offense isn’t ready for the Major Leagues. Arroyo missed all of 2024 recovering from shoulder surgery, and last season saw his power largely disappear. Though he’s now on the 40-man roster, it’s unlikely he will break camp outside of Triple-A in 2026.
For De La Cruz, the path forward is clear: health, consistency, and continued growth. If he stays on track, the young star isn’t just a cornerstone for the Reds—he’s a legitimate MVP candidate. Few players in baseball today combine speed, power, arm strength, and defensive range like he does, and when he’s at his best, he can change a game in an instant.
For fans and analysts alike, the 2026 season will be a chance to witness Elly De La Cruz at full strength—a player whose skill set, athleticism, and determination could make him one of the most exciting figures in baseball for years to come.
Stay tuned to Cincinnati Reds Talk for exclusive coverage, interviews, and the latest news on one of the game’s most electrifying young talents.