In an era where power and speed are often seen as mutually exclusive in the game of baseball, Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz has redefined the mold during a standout season. This electrifying 22-year-old phenom has captured the attention of the baseball world with his blistering pace on the basepaths and his muscle at the plate, creating a unique brand that sets him apart in modern Major League Baseball.
Elly De La Cruz has become the trailblazer of a new power/speed club this season, carving a name for himself among legends. By joining Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson as one of the few players to steal 100 bases in their first two seasons, De La Cruz has quickly become a household name. His recent performance has solidified his place in history, exemplified by hitting his 25th home run in a Saturday game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Such feats have established him as the first shortstop to post a season with at least 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases—an unprecedented achievement.
Beyond his historic base-stealing prowess, De La Cruz’s contributions in power cannot be overstated. He stands as the fifth player in the annals of baseball history to tally 25 home runs and 65 stolen bases within a single season. These achievements are reflected in his robust batting metrics: a .260 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and a .471 slugging percentage. Together, these figures paint a portrait of a well-rounded athlete capable of influencing every facet of the game.
In analytics circles, Wins Above Replacement (WAR) is a telling indicator of a player's value, and De La Cruz's 4.9 WAR this year stands as a testament to his comprehensive impact on the field. This number places him fifth in the National League, trailing only behind baseball’s luminaries such as Shohei Ohtani (8.0), Matt Chapman (6.9), Francisco Lindor (6.6), and Ketel Marte (6.1). To be ranked among such elite company at just 22 years old highlights his potential and the bright future ahead.
The Cincinnati Reds, however, have not mirrored De La Cruz’s personal success in the team standings. With a record of 75-80, the Reds have been eliminated from postseason contention. The last time the Reds saw a playoff berth was during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, and they have struggled to replicate that success over a full 162-game season since 2013.
Despite the Reds’ overall outcome this season, Elly De La Cruz’s individual success offers a glimmer of hope and excitement for the franchise’s supporters. His continuous improvement and historic milestones suggest that brighter seasons may be on the horizon for both him and the team. For now, Reds fans and baseball enthusiasts alike are left admiring a young superstar who seamlessly merges the dynamism of speed with the raw power of the swing, embodying the future of baseball.