Cincinnati Reds' Elly De La Cruz: A Season of Power and Speed
Elly De La Cruz, at just 22 years old, has established himself as one of Major League Baseball’s rising stars, showcasing a rare blend of power and speed that has earned him a standout season with the Cincinnati Reds. His performance has not only solidified his reputation but also etched his name in the annals of baseball history.
In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, De La Cruz has become the fifth player in baseball history to achieve the elusive milestone of 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases in a single season. This feat is particularly noteworthy given that he is also the first shortstop ever to do so. On Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, De La Cruz hit his 25th home run, marking a significant highlight in a season filled with them.
De La Cruz's achievements bring to mind the golden era of base-stealers, as he joins the likes of Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson. Like these legends, De La Cruz has successfully stolen 100 bases within his first two seasons, a testament to his speed and keen base-running instincts.
With a .260 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and a slugging percentage of .471, De La Cruz has demonstrated a well-rounded offensive game. His contributions go beyond these numbers, as evidenced by his 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) rating this year. This places him fifth in the National League, trailing only elite players like Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1).
Despite Elly De La Cruz's individual accolades, the Cincinnati Reds have faced a challenging season. With a current record of 75-80, the team has been eliminated from postseason contention. This marks yet another year that the Reds have been unable to replicate the success of their 2020 playoff appearance during a full 162-game season, a feat that has eluded them since 2013.
As the Reds look to build for the future, De La Cruz offers a beacon of hope. His unique combination of power and speed is not only rare but also game-changing. As a charter member of a new power/speed club, he brings a dynamic edge to the Reds' lineup, one that can hopefully inspire a turnaround in their fortunes in the coming seasons.
In a sport where statistics often tell the story, Elly De La Cruz stands out not just for his numbers, but for the excitement he brings to the game. His ability to make an impact in multiple facets of the game ensures that he will remain a player to watch in the years to come. The Reds have a cornerstone player in De La Cruz, one whose talents and achievements will be pivotal as they strive to reclaim their place among baseball’s elite teams.