Elly De La Cruz Shines in Impressive Season for Cincinnati Reds
In a season filled with highs and lows for the Cincinnati Reds, one bright spot has undeniably been the emergence of Elly De La Cruz. The 22-year-old shortstop has showcased a remarkable blend of power and speed that has not only excited Reds fans but also etched his name into the annals of baseball history.
The 2023 campaign saw De La Cruz become the inaugural member of a new power/speed club. He hit his 25th home run in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, a milestone that sets him apart as the first shortstop ever to post a season with at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases. His prowess on the basepaths also places him among elite company; De La Cruz joins Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson as one of the very few players to steal 100 bases in their first two seasons.
This season, De La Cruz's accomplishments have put him in rarified air. He became just the fifth player in the history of baseball to achieve the combination of 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases in a single season, joining an elite club previously thought untouchable for a player of his position. His achievements have not only marked him as a standout in the league but also as a beacon of hope for a franchise that has struggled to find consistent success in recent years.
Statistically, De La Cruz has been an exceptional performer. He boasts a .260 batting average, augmented by a .343 on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of .471. These numbers indicate his well-rounded offensive capabilities and his significant impact on the field. These offensive metrics are further validated by his 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) this season, which ranks fifth in the National League. Only Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1) have been more valuable according to this metric.
Despite De La Cruz's standout season, the Reds have had a disappointing year. With a record of 75-80, Cincinnati has been eliminated from postseason contention. The team's last playoff appearance was during the shortened 2020 season, and they have since struggled to replicate that success in a full 162-game format, having last achieved such in 2013. This contrast between individual brilliance and team performance underscores the challenges that the Reds face in building a competitive roster moving forward.
De La Cruz's season has provided a silver lining to the Reds' otherwise challenging year. His dynamic play has captivated fans and analysts alike, providing a glimpse of what could be a promising future for the franchise. As the Reds look ahead to rebuilding and striving for postseason success, De La Cruz's development will be a cornerstone of their efforts.
In sum, Elly De La Cruz's historic achievements this season have firmly placed him in the spotlight as one of baseball's most exciting young talents. His blend of power and speed has not only broken records but also redefined what is possible for a shortstop in the modern game. While the Reds' season may not have gone as hoped, De La Cruz’s performances offer a beacon of optimism for the franchise and its supporters.